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A man has fallen at least 600 metres to his death during a climbing expedition on Mt Aspiring near Wanaka today.
Wanaka police Sergeant Aaron Nicholson said the man was one of two climbers who were only 200m from the summit on the southwest ridge when tragedy struck.
Search and rescue teams from the region responded to a distress call about the incident, which happened at about 11.40am.
The man, a 48-year-old living in Wanaka, was found when rescuers flew to the scene.
"He was located at the base of the southwest face and was deceased on the team's arrival. He had fallen approximately 600 to 800 metres," Mr Nicholson said.
He said there was a lot of activity on the mountain this morning and climbing conditions were excellent with good weather.
Police were this evening yet to contact all the man's next of kin and could not release his name.
The matter has been referred to the coroner for investigation.
- NZPA
