Mount Cook. Image: Carey Williams/AP
(The Post News) – Two climbers have died after falling while attempting to summit Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. This tragic accident has once again highlighted the dangers of alpine climbing.
Authorities confirmed that the climbers were part of a group of four. They attempted to reach the 3,724-metre summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook. This mountain is located in the Southern Alps.
The group called emergency services late on Monday night. Two members fell while roped together near the west ridge of the mountain. The other two climbers were rescued by helicopter in the early hours of Tuesday morning and were unharmed.
Body Recovered
Search and rescue teams worked through the night to locate the missing climbers. The Wanaka Alpine Cliff Rescue Team and helicopters from Queenstown and Dunedin contributed to the effort. Their bodies were discovered early Tuesday, still connected by their climbing harness.
Police described the recovery as “challenging” due to the harsh alpine environment, unpredictable weather, and treacherous terrain. Efforts are now underway to bring the deceased climbers down from the mountain safely.
Local media reported that one of the deceased was an internationally certified mountain guide. This highlights the fact that even highly experienced climbers are vulnerable to the mountain’s dangers.
Death on the Mountain
Aoraki/Mount Cook is notorious for its steep ridges and large crevasses. Sudden weather changes make it one of the most hazardous climbs in the Southern Hemisphere.
The mountain has claimed dozens of lives over the decades. In 2024, three climbers from the United States and Canada disappeared on the same peak. Their bodies were never recovered.
The latest tragedy adds to its grim record. It has prompted renewed warnings from the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council about the risks of attempting the summit.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased. Police are working with the Department of Conservation to complete the recovery operation. They aim to provide support to the families.
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