Karekare surf club and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter had to rescue a visiting Frenchman who thought he could climb down the Watchman.

While his friends were oblivious to his plight, the man thought better of continuing his descent when the cliffs started crumbling under his feet, leaving him stranded 75 feet up.

The story was relayed in the latest Western Leader but it seems actually occured last Thursday, 21 March.

To read the full story go here http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/western-leader/8469400/Rescue-is-a-cliffhanger/