Missing NC Mother, Daughter Hikers Found Safe in New Zealand

A mother and daughter from North Carolina who went missing Tuesday while hiking in New Zealand have been found, local police said Saturday.

Carolyn Lloyd, 45, and her daughter Rachel Lloyd, 22, were spotted in Tararua Forest Park by a search helicopter Saturday morning. The pair, who huddled together for warmth and rationed their supplies, were airlifted to a hospital and are in good health, the New Zealand Herald reported.

Rachel, who graduated from North Carolina State University in December, is in New Zealand studying at Massey University. Her mother was visiting.

The mother-daughter duo, who hail from Charlotte, had intended to embark on a one-day hike, but they got lost and stranded in a rugged area of the park. The pair's rental car was found abandoned at the park two days after they failed to check-in to a hotel, according to ABC Charlotte affiliate WSOC. Dog teams, helicopters and four-wheel vehicles were used in the search.

Sgt. Anthony Harmer of the New Zealand police told WSOC, "One thing about the New Zealand bush is it often takes people unaware. It's a little bit steeper and little bit more rugged than a lot of tourists expect or plan for."

Rachel's father told WSOC he plans to travel to New Zealand this weekend.