Welshman celebrating 80th birthday dies on Mt Taranaki

A Welshman's attempt to celebrate his 80th birthday on top of Mt Taranaki has ended in tragedy.

The body of the tourist, missing since Tuesday night, was found near the summit of the mountain yesterday. He had fallen onto rocks.

Sergeant Matt Prendergast, of New Plymouth, said the body, which had yet to be formally identified, was found shortly after 1.30pm by Search and Rescue members.

Deteriorating weather stopped rescuers removing the body from an area known as Blondie's Point.

Mr Prendergast said a recovery team hoped to retrieve the body before the end of the week.

An autopsy would be carried out.

It is understood the climber, who had been living in the United States but was born in Wales, was ill-prepared for the ascent, despite a long history of climbing in New Zealand.

Mr Prendergast said the man had been climbing Mt Taranaki for more than 50 years.

Tuesday's attempt was the fourth time in as many days that the man had tried to reach the summit.

"Talking to a companion of his, it appears he was determined to reach the top on his 80th birthday," Mr Prendergast said.

"Several people met him on the mountain. He spoke to them and carried on."

Police and rescuers were alerted when the man's cries for help were heard coming from near the summit on Tuesday.

Rescuers spent until 3am yesterday searching for the man in testing conditions.

- NZPA