Mt Cook rescue after climber's 300m slide

A search and rescue operation is under way in Mount Cook National Park after a climber slid about 300m on ice in the Sefton Bivvy area.

Police southern communication centre spokesman Trevor Cross said the overseas climber was reported to have hand injuries, but few details were initially available.

Emergency services were alerted about 8.45am. A team of police and Department of Conservation volunteers were heading into the glacial area near the Footstool.

Mr Cross told NZPA the full extent of the climber's injuries were unknown.

"It's a fair slide," he said. "If all he's got are hand injuries, he'll be fairly lucky."

- NZPA