Weather hampers rescue of climber

A climber with a suspected collapsed lung remains in a stable condition in a hut high on Aoraki/Mt Cook as bad weather again hampers any attempt to rescue him.

The 34-year-old Australian is at Kelman Hut, at 2450 metres, with 14 other climbers, three guides, and two search and rescue personnel.

Bad weather yesterday prevented any attempt to airlift him to hospital but the search and rescue members were able to be dropped off with oxygen for the man.

Conditions this morning were bad, with rain and "very high winds" preventing an aerial rescue, said Senior Constable Les Andrew, of Twizel police.

He said the weather would possibly clear later in the morning, allowing a helicopter in, but it was a matter of watching and waiting.

A back-up option was for members of the party to walk down with the sick man to an area where the helicopter could safely reach them, he said.

The climber was among a group on an instruction course when he became unwell about midday yesterday.

Department of Conservation ranger Ray Bellringer said it appeared the man had a collapsed lung.

"He is not in immediate danger, but it is a serious condition," he said.

Mr Bellringer said he was in some pain but it was being controlled with medication. His condition was described as stable.

- NZPA