KEY POINTS:
An Italian climber is recovering from surgery after ignoring warnings against climbing in a dangerous area of Mt Cook National Park.
The man, 23, suffered serious injuries to his hand, and it was feared he may lose part of it, after being struck by falling rock in an area known as The Footstool yesterday.
Rescuers were forced to put themselves at risk from falling rock on the steep slope to fly the injured man out.
He and two companions had gone to climb there despite mountaineers having earlier warned them not to.
One of his companions raised the alarm by cellphone about 8.45am.
The injured man was due to undergo surgery on his hand at Timaru Hospital yesterday.
Dave Winterburn, head of the alpine rescue team that went to the man's aid, said it was disappointing the trio had chosen to ignore the advice given to them.
Warnings have been given about The Footstool, near Mt Sefton, because dry conditions in the area meant less snow cover and more exposed loose rock.
Department of Conservation spokesman Don Bogie said it was a popular climbing area when the conditions were right.
But in the current conditions: "I would say there would be very few New Zealand climbers that are prepared to go and climb that.
"We supply advice to people and it's up to them what they do with it."
Mr Winterburn said the injured climber was alert and orientated, but clearly in shock, when the rescuers reached him by helicopter. He had bandaged his hand "but it looked fairly nasty from what I saw of it".
"Hopefully he manages to keep [his hand]." His two companions turned down an offer to be flown out and chose to walk.
Police said yesterday there was no prospect of charges against the trio for ignoring advice. Charges could potentially be laid if climbers were being led by a commercial guide.
