A mother and daughter have been rescued after being stranded in the New Zealand bush for four days - thanks to their makeshift 'help' sign made of sticks.

Carolyn Lloyd, 44, and daughter Rachel, 22, who are from North Carolina, had planned for a day hike in the Tararua Forest Park, but became disorientated and walked off the main path.

The pair spent four days huddled together for warmth, and were eventually rescued after a local helicopter spotted a makeshift 'HELP' sign they created using sticks.

Neither of them are inexperienced hikers, having hiked the Appalachian Trail and other tough trails.

Sergeant Anthony Harmer of Wellington Police Search and Rescue praised their quick-thinking and handling of the situation: "They've stayed together, they've conserved their heat, they've conserved their resources so they gave themselves the best chance possible."

Rachel told reporters of the ordeal: "I was on the verge of dying.

"We were even discussing going through my dying wishes which I'm sure wasn't easy for her."