Police Search and Rescue are urging the public to adhere to level three restrictions when outdoors

Under alert level three, any outdoor activity should be low risk and in your local area.

The message comes after a man was lost in Wellington's MacKenzie Track last week - and was found by Police three hours later.

Sergeant Anthony Harmer says anyone venturing out of the house needs to be prepared.

He says planning your trip, checking the forecast and being aware of your limits is key.