Body of missing tramper recovered

The body of a tramper missing in Mt Aspiring National Park has been recovered.

A friend of the 38-year-old German man had contacted police on Sunday and reported he was overdue from a solo tramp in the national park which he started on the 29. November, acting SAR coordinator Senior Constable Mike Johnston of the Wanaka Police said

The body was found after a search by helicopter of a section of the Cascade Saddle track near the area known as the 'pylon'. The area has had previous fatalities.

The man had fallen on a snow patch near the top of the climb, and slid down the snow over the edge of a ridge, falling about 200 metres into a near vertical gully.

The body was recovered by Wanaka Land SAR ACR, Wanaka Police personnel, and Mt Aspiring helicopters.

"This steep and challenging 'poled' route over the Cascade Saddle is an alpine environment which requires a high level of risk and in turn a high level of skill.

"This route should not be attempted unless key factors have been evaluated, such as, fitness, alpine experience, weather, and equipment. Falling in this slippery and steep terrain is unforgiving," Johnston said.

The name of the deceased will be released once family members in Germany have been contacted.

- © Fairfax NZ News