A team of skilled rescuers are waiting for a break in the weather to search for a climber missing on Mt Aspiring without most of his gear.
Search and Rescue mission co-ordinator Mike Roberts said the 29-year-old Australian soldier was due back from Mount Aspiring on Monday.
The man didn't return, and activated his distress beacon yesterday.
Roberts said two alpine cliff rescuers dropped at a nearby hut found most of the man's gear, meaning he was expecting to make a quick climb, but became trapped by bad weather.
"It is an awful situation. We're extremely lucky we've some very experienced helicopter operators there and a hugely experienced alpine cliff rescue team, so in terms of a rescue effort we really couldn't ask for better professional people to do the job," Roberts said.
