Climbers rescued from mountain

Two climbers found last night after being missing for several days on Mt Tutoko in Fiordland have been rescued.


Lisa Auer and Jonathan Baird, who had been expected to tramp off the mountain on Monday or Tuesday, were located last night by a helicopter pilot using night vision equipment.


They were spotted just before 10pm, about 152m from the summit of Mt Tutoko.


Two rescue team members were dropped at the summit and climbed down to the pair.


But rescuers had to wait today for a break in the cloud before they could get a helicopter back in to pick them up.


Senior Sergeant Olaf Jensen told NZPA there was a break in the weather just after midday and the four were flown back to Te Anau.


Ms Auer and Mr Baird had been exposed to the elements so received medical treatment in Te Anau and were then taken to Southland Hospital for further checks, Mr Jensen said.


The pair had been dropped off at Turners Pass on Saturday on their way to the Age Glacier and were expected to tramp out on Monday or Tuesday.


But a search was mounted when they failed to do so and had not set off a locator beacon.


Ms Auer, 35, an Australian, is a climbing guide with Mt Cook-based company Alpine Guides. Mr Baird is a UK climbing guide. Both are based in Wanaka, are experienced climbers and were well-equipped.


- NZPA