Family come to terms with missing climber's fate

Simon Bell is believed to have been climbing Mt Earnslaw.

The family of a missing Wellington climber say they have come to terms that the mountains would be his final resting place.

Simon Bell, 33, was reported missing by his partner on February 2.

He was last seen three weeks earlier when he told friends he intended to climb 2819m Mt Earnslaw in Mount Aspiring National Park as part of his goal to be the first to climb New Zealand's 100 great peaks.

Yesterday, police said Mr Bell's disappearance had been referred to the coroner.

In a statement released today, his Nelson-based family said they were grateful to all those involved in the search for Mr Bell.

"SAR, police and others made every effort and we thank them for that.

"The mountains that Simon loved remain his final resting place, and we are at peace with that."

The Wellington engineer took leave from his job for the summer and relocated to Wanaka to pursue his ambition.

- additional reporting Otago Daily Times