Senior Constable Wayne Rowlands, from Search and Rescue, said the man had got into difficulties after trying to descend from the summit in low cloud and called police on his cellphone at 4pm local time.

Two search and rescue crews were sent after the man on foot and he was found at approximately 9.50pm around 650 metres up the mountain.

Two alpine teams have been deployed on foot to search for an Australian man lost on Mt.Taranaki. Credit:Robert Charles

He was being assisted down from rocky outcrops in a rope harness.

Rescue crews were intending to bring him back on Monday night but Constable Rowlands said the man's leg may be injured and rescue crews may have to camp out for the night.

New Zealand's Mt Taranaki.

The man will be taken to New Plymouth base hospital upon his return.

- Stuff.co.nz