An American tramper and an injured hunter have avoided lengthy stays in the bush tonight after activating locator beacons in two separate incidents this afternoon.

The first incident was in the Tasman District's Richmond Ranges where two people activated their beacon after one fell and injured his arm and leg.

With help from the International Emergency Response Coordination Centre in Texas, the Nelson Rescue Helicopter rescued the men and flew them to Nelson Hospital.

Two hunters also set off their beacon when they became lost in the Bay of Plenty's Motu River, East of Opotiki.

That meant the rescue coordination centre was able to send out the Tauranga Rescue Helicopter to the two very thankful men.

Rescue Coordinator Greg Johnston said both incidents again highlight the value of carrying emergency distress beacons when heading off the beaten track.