Cloud hampers search for climbers

Searchers were this morning waiting for a break in the clouds before being able to continue looking for two climbers missing in Fiordland National Park.

Te Anau police became concerned about the whereabouts of the Wanaka-based climbers on Tuesday after they failed to return from a climb on Mt Tutoko -- the highest peak in Fiordland.

A search of low-lying bush area was carried out yesterday but low cloud then also hampered more intensive efforts.

Sergeant John De Lury, of Te Anau, said early today the cloud cover was between 1200m and 1500m.

The forecast was for some gaps in the clouds and a helicopter was on standby.

"They've done all the mountain they can see and they're just waiting to get a break in the clouds," he told NZPA.

Alpine ground searchers were also on standby.

Nothing had been heard from Lisa Simone Auer, 35, of Wanaka and a man believed to be from Britain since they were dropped off by helicopter on the north ridge of Mt Tutoko on Saturday.

The missing pair were both experienced climbers and were well-equipped.

- NZPA