Tramper dies after 30m fall

Mt Aspiring National Park. Photo / Supplied

Rescuers have recovered the body of a man from Mount Aspiring National Park after he fell 30-40 metres down a bluff on Saturday night.

The 30-year-old man was tramping with a group of eight friends from Dunedin when the accident occurred.

Police said the man was originally from Canberra but had been in New Zealand since 1996. His partner was also on the tramp and with him when he died.

Sergeant Aaron Nicholson said the man fell about 7pm yesterday while descending an unmarked route on the northern slopes of Sisyphus Peak.

He described the terrain as "difficult country with steep tussock and scrubby slopes between a series of bluff systems".

Mr Nicholson said the man hit his head several times during his fall, suffering significant head injuries.

He stopped breathing soon after his friends reached him and despite CPR being applied for 30 minutes he was unable to be revived.

Three members of the group walked out of the park to raise help and police were informed of the accident about 5.30am today.

The Wanaka Land Search and Rescue team located and retrieved the group about two hours later.

The matter has been reported to the Coroner and the victim's name will not be released until his family in Australia have been informed.

- NZHERALD STAFF