Rescuers still trying to reach Mt Cook climbers

Rescuers are hoping for a break in the clouds on Mt Cook/Aoraki around midday to attempt a rescue of two foreign climbers stranded since yesterday.

The two climbers, both in their 20s with one of them suffering from hypothermia , set off a distress beacon yesterday afternoon from Middle Peak but because of the low cloud base rescuers could not get to them in a rescue helicopter.

Sophie Hazelhurst from the Rescue Co ordination Centre in Wellington said the climbers last night talked with rescuers by cellphone and were about 3500m up the mountain in temperatures of minus 20.

"They were in reasonable spirits considering they were going to have to spend the night on the mountain. They seem to be okay, they are well equipped," she said today.

The men had made a bivouac and had sleeping bags and other equipment.

She said rescuers attempted to reach the duo yesterday but were thwarted by low cloud and visibility issues and would try again today.

"The weather is going to clear today but it might not be for a few hours."

- NZPA