Missing Climbers in Canterbury District, 7:00pm 12 Dec 2008

Two Australian climbers have been reported overdue by guides based at Plateau Hut, in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

The climbers were flown into Plateau Hut on Saturday 6th December. They set out to climb Aoraki/Mt Cook via the Zurbriggens route at 1am on Wednesday 10th. Their lights were seen by other climbers at 11.30pm on Wednesday night, high up on the ridge.

The climbers have not been seen since, and have not returned to the hut.

The weather since Wednesday has been unsettled, and there is 25-30cm of new snow at Plateau Hut.
Department of Conservation Alpine Rescue team staff and police are waiting for a clearance in the weather, before starting an aerial search.

It is possible it might clear tonight, otherwise the weather forecast is looking good for Saturday.

Zurbriggens Ridge is not the common route up Aoraki/Mt Cook. Most climbers ascend via the less technical Linda Glacier route. Zurbriggens Ridge is accessed by crossing the Grand Plateau from Plateau Hut. Sixteen to eighteen hours is an average time to leave the hut, ascend the ridge, summit and then return to Plateau Hut.

The return route is usually via the Linda Glacier.

This route is on the opposite side of Aoraki/Mt Cook than the route taken by the two Japanese climbers last week.

The two climbers have previously climbed Mt Aspiring.

New Zealand Police Alert 9:45pm 12 Dec 2008 Canterbury

Location of incident: Mount Cook

Incident type: Missing climbers update

Mount Cook search update:
The search has been suspended for the night will resume 1st thing in morning.