Police have confirmed the death of a man on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on Tuesday was caused by a medical event rather than a fall.
They initially reported the death as a fall, but updated their information on Thursday at the family’s request.
“While the matter has been referred to the coroner, the police understand it was a medical event, not a fall, and the family have requested it be reported as such,” the police said in a statement.
“A helicopter was unable to be deployed due to cloud.”
A rāhui was placed on the mountain as a result of the death, meaning people were asked not to do the crossing until it was lifted at 6am on Friday, April 12.