Wellington - Two Irishmen and a New Zealander who went for a short walk in the bush in T-shirts and shorts with and a bottle of whiskey were found trapped on a steep cliff after a night in the open following a major land and air search, Radio New Zealand reported on Wednesday.

The search was launched after the trio, all aged 26, failed to return from an evening stroll by a river near Punakaiki, on the South Island's west coast, on Tuesday.

Police said they were unprepared for a night in the bush and there were fears for their safety following a heavy rain warning which could flood the river quickly. (dpa)