Two climbers are dead following a climbing accident on Sabre Peak, south-east of Milford Sound, in Fiordland National Park on Saturday (13 Dec).

Police were notified at around 7:40pm on Saturday that the pair were missing, following another climbing party activated a beacon after the pair failed to return from their intended route.

Police said one of the pair was located deceased but access was difficult due to the deteriorating weather on Saturday evening.

On Sunday, Police and Wakatipu Aline Cliff Rescue specialists returned to the scene and located the second person, also deceased.

Both bodies were extracted in what was a difficult and technical rescue, Police said.

The north buttress of Sabre Peak, where the bodies were located, is a 500-metre-long route and is on the bucket list of many climbers.

One of the deceased was an Australian citizen, the second person was a dual citizen of New Zealand and Canada, residing in Australia.

Sergeant Alun Griffiths wished to thank the Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue team, RCCNZ, Heliworks and Southern Lakes Helicopters in what was a complex and challenging recovery.

"This is a result nobody wanted, and our thoughts are with their families."

“Police are in contact with the families and are offering the necessary support.”

The formal identification process is underway, and the deaths have been referred to the Coroner.

Meanwhile New Zealand Mountain Safety Council chief executive Mike Daisley said the incident, along with a current search and rescue operation currently underway for two overdue climbers on Aoraki/Mount Cook, were a sobering reminder of the seriousness of New Zealand’s alpine environments.

“Good conditions encourage more people into the mountains, but they do not remove the hazards. Glaciated terrain, rockfall, icefall and rapidly changing weather are constant risks, even during stable periods,” he says.

“New Zealand’s alpine should never be underestimated. Sabre Peak and Aoraki/Mount Cook are among the country’s most complex and challenging alpine environments, where the consequences of a mistake are often severe.”

The search for the missing climbers on Aoraki/Mount Cook is expected to be undertaken in the coming days.

While the weather in the national park was mostly favourable over the weekend, it has since deteriorated, with rain and strong winds in the area today.

Mike says Aoraki should only be attempted by climbers with appropriate experience and preparation.

“This peak is not suitable for inexperienced climbers. It requires extensive alpine skills, sound decision-making and familiarity with New Zealand’s unique mountain conditions.”