Police Search and Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of two climbers who went missing in Fiordland National Park over the weekend.
The alarm was raised at around 7:40pm on Saturday 13 December, when another climbing group activated a beacon after the missing pair failed to return from their route on the north buttress of Sabre Peak. The area is known as a challenging 500-metre-long climb and is a popular goal for experienced mountaineers.
One of the climbers was found deceased on Saturday evening. However, worsening weather conditions made access to the site difficult. Police and Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue specialists returned on Sunday and located the second body.
The operation to recover both bodies was described as difficult and technical, involving a coordinated effort between Police, rescue teams and helicopter operators.
It has been confirmed that one of the deceased was an Australian citizen, while the other was a dual citizen of New Zealand and Canada, residing in Australia.
Sergeant Alun Griffiths acknowledged the efforts of all those involved, saying, “This is a result nobody wanted, and our thoughts are with their families. Police are in contact with the families and are offering the necessary support.”
He also extended thanks to the Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue team, RCCNZ, Heliworks, and Southern Lakes Helicopters for their roles in the complex recovery operation.
The formal identification process is currently underway. The deaths have been referred to the Coroner.