The child was then airlifted to Christchurch Hospital with moderate injuries.

A spokesman for Hato Hone St John said they were alerted to the incident at 6.28pm.

“A helicopter arrived at the scene and transported one patient in a moderate condition to Christchurch Hospital,” the spokesman said.

The Mt Somers Trail is a two-day route around Mt Somers, connecting the popular Pinnacles and Woolshed Creek Huts.

There are two huts on the trail – Woolshed Creek and Pinnacles.

The hike to the Pinnacles Shelter, located near the child’s location, is more physically demanding and requires some walking experience.

The area is also known for being more dangerous in winter and early spring when it is covered in ice and snow.