MSC Responds to Climbing Incidents
Media Release
NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) is responding to two separate climbing incidents – one on Aoraki/Mount Cook and the other on Sabre Peak.
Two climbers are missing on Aoraki/Mount Cook after being reported overdue from their attempt of Aotearoa New Zealand’s highest peak. Police spokesperson Vicki Walker said a search and rescue will be undertaken once the weather conditions improve on the mountain.
Meanwhile, Police Search and Rescue confirmed they have recovered the bodies of two climbers from Fiordland National Park. According to Police, one of the deceased was an Australian citizen and the other was a dual citizen of New Zealand and Canada living in Australia. The north buttress of Sabre Peak where the bodies were located is a popular 500m route for experienced alpine climbers.
The high peaks of the South Island have seen increased climbing activity in recent weeks, with periods of fine weather and favourable conditions, which is not uncommon for this time of year.
The latest reports come only a matter of weeks after a fatal climbing accident on Aoraki/Mount Cook. IFMGA-qualified guide Thomas Vialletet and his American client Kellam Conover lost their lives on 24 November 2025 while attempting to traverse the mountain. In December last year, three climbers died on Aoraki/Mount Cook and their bodies have not been recovered.
The last fatality on Sabre Peak was in 2020, when two men tragically lost their lives while also attempting to climb the north buttress.
MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley says the recent incidents were a sobering reminder of the seriousness of New Zealand’s alpine environments.
“Good conditions encourage more people into the mountains, but they do not remove the hazards. Glaciated terrain, rockfall, icefall and rapidly changing weather are constant risks, even during stable periods,” he says.
“New Zealand’s alpine should never be underestimated. Sabre Peak and Aoraki/Mount Cook are among the country’s most complex and challenging alpine environments, where the consequences of a mistake are often severe.”
The search for the missing climbers on Aoraki/Mount Cook is expected to be undertaken in the coming days. While the weather in the national park was mostly favourable over the weekend, it has since deteriorated, with rain and strong winds in the area today.
Mike says Aoraki should only be attempted by climbers with appropriate experience and preparation.
“This peak is not suitable for inexperienced climbers. It requires extensive alpine skills, sound decision-making and familiarity with New Zealand’s unique mountain conditions.”