A young man's been rescued from the summit of Mt Ngauruhoe after he fell and fractured his ankle.

The 23-year-old was high on the mountain when the accident happened.

The Taupo-based Greenlea Rescue Helicopter was sent out at three yesterday afternoon to pick him up ... but although it was fine and flying conditions were good, the recovery was challenging due to cloud and wind at the summit.

Ruapehu's Alpine Rescue team was flown up to find him and help him to a place where the helicopter could land safely.

He was flown to Rotorua Hospital.