Police are reminding people to carry their Personal Locator Beacon - PLB - on their person rather than in their pack or bag, so they have access to it when they need it, says Senior Constable Barry Shepherd.

A man hunting in the Kaimanawa Ranges on Friday was unable to signal for help when he was separated from his bag containing his beacon and other essential items.

"Police responded to reports made yesterday morning of a man overdue from an afternoon hunt on Thursday [April 27] near Otupua Hut, south of Poronui Station," says Constable Shepherd.

The hunter had been unable to return to the hut after he sustained a knee injury and lost his bag containing his beacon.

He was forced to spend a night in the bush before his friend, who was at the hut, was able to signal to a helicopter that happened to be flying overhead.

Personal Locator Beacon. Photo: Department of Conservation.

Police were notified, and in the meantime the injured man had set a fire and the visible smoke led the helicopter pilot to his location.

That pilot was then able to transport Police to the vicinity of the man.

The Whangarei man was winched out by air ambulance and transported to Rotorua Hospital.

"Beacons are a lifesaving tool which allow rescue teams to respond to your location as soon as possible," says Senior Constable Shepherd.

"If you are exploring the outdoors and are unable to make it out for any reason, or if you have concerns for someone else, please do not hesitate to activate your beacon.

"Remember to register your beacon with Rescue Coordination Centre NZ before you head out: www.beacons.org.nz"

For more information on beacons and how to stay safe while hunting see www.police.govt.nz/faq/im-going-trampinghuntingboating-do-you-recommend-i-take-personal-locator-beacon