Up to 8 teens swept away in NZ river

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At least three other students were rescued. Police Inspector Paul Jermy said weather conditions, described as "rugged," were hampering the search.

Jermy said the students were swept away by rising water levels in the Mangatepopo River in central North Island's Tongariro National Park.

The teenagers were part of a group of 40 students attending a weeklong education course at the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Center in the small town of Turangi.

It was not clear whether they were in a boat or crossing the river on foot.

Inspector Steve Mastrovich said a helicopter flew over the river before dark and another with night vision capability was traveling to the area to help with the search.

Search and rescue teams were also searching the area.

Murray Burton, principal of Elim high school in Auckland, where some of the teenagers studied, said they were on the river when they became separated from the main party.

"From what I understand they were well equipped for the journey with wet suits, life jackets and harnesses," he said.

"It is a fairly standard sort of activity. I guess it was the (outdoor center's) call as to whether they should still go (out in the conditions) and I have no reason to doubt their judgment," he said.

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