A group’s fishing trip ended in the cold and dark, but fortunately a rescue effort meant it wasn’t a tragedy.

Four people had set out to fish off the rocks at Piapia Bay in the Far North on Monday.

Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, Northland Police Search and Rescue lead, says after finishing their outing, the group headed back to the main road via an alternative route in the afternoon.

“Unfortunately, the group have got lost and stranded on a cliff edge near Wainui Bay; the sun had set, and darkness had set in.

Attribute to Wellington District Prevention Manager, Inspector Fleur de Bes:

Extensive planning has been underway today in the search for missing Karori man Philip Sutton.

While Police did visit the scene this morning to assess stream conditions, the physical search activities that were expected to take place today were unable to go ahead due to safety concerns.

The search is now due to recommence on Wednesday, as the stream water levels drop and weather conditions improve.