Source: Radio New Zealand
The bodies of two climbers were recovered from the north buttress of Sabre Peak in Fiordland National Park. Supplied / Police
The bodies of two climbers that went missing in Fiordland National Park during the weekend have been recovered.
Two other climbers are currently overdue on Aoraki Mt Cook.
The search for the first set of climbers began on Saturday night when the pair did not return from their intended route.
Police said one body was found that night, but access was difficult due to deteriorating weather.
The second body was found on Sunday.
“Both bodies were extracted in what was a difficult and technical rescue,” police said.
“The north buttress of Sabre Peak, where the bodies were located, is a 500-metre-long route and is on the bucket list of many climbers.
“One of the deceased was an Australian citizen, the second person was a dual citizen of New Zealand and Canada, residing in Australia.”
Sergeant Alun Griffiths thanked Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue, the Rescue Coordination Centre, Heliworks and Southern Lakes Helicopters for their roles in a complex and challenging recovery.
“This is a result nobody wanted, and our thoughts are with their families,” he said.
“Police are in contact with the families and are offering the necessary support.”
Formal identification was underway, and the deaths were referred to the coroner.
Two climbers overdue
Two climbers are overdue on Aoraki Mt Cook.
Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker says there are strong winds and rain in the area.
“Police Search and Rescue, and Department of Conservation Search and Rescue, are working together and will search on the mountain as weather conditions allow,” she said.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
