A 69-year-old Auckland man died while hiking on Mt Ruapehu yesterday.

The Taupo-based Lion Foundation Rescue Helicopter was called after the man reportedly collapsed while walking the Whakapapaiti track around 3.30pm.

The man's partner alerted emergency services via cell phone.

Paramedics from the helicopter and local Department of Conservation staff assisted at the scene but were unable to revive the man, a rescue helicopter spokesperson said.

The body was recovered from the track and flown out to meet with local funeral services.