Rescue plea was too hasty

Two Czech climbers trapped on Aoraki/Mt Cook at the weekend have walked out – but not before climbing the peaks they set out to conquer.

The climbers, in their 20s, triggered their emergency beacon on Friday afternoon on the mountain's middle peak when they had reached about 3500 metres, when one of them became troubled by possible hypothermia.

Their initial plan had been to walk into the mountain park, climb the low peak of Mt Cook, do the grand traverse across the high peaks, and ascend by the Linda Glacier to Plateau Hut before walking out.

"It was clogged in with cloud, and at the Porter's Col area, it was probably blowing 50 knots, almost 100 kmh with a wind chill of about minus 20 to 25,"Aoraki Department of Conservation (DOC) area manager Richard McNamara said.

"That's pretty arduous conditions."

The climbers' contact person, based in Arrowtown, contacted DOC telling the rescue team they had talked with the pair, saying one had hypothermia and they were spending the night on the mountain, Mr McNamara said.

Later that evening, the contact called in, saying the climber's condition had improved significantly.

Senior constable Les Andrew, of the Twizel police said two helicopters had combed the west and eastern side of the mountain on Saturday following a failed arrangement to make contact via cellphone.

"They initially found two guys but their clothing didn't match the description."

Both were identified on the second sighting, he said.

Mr McNamara said it was a surprise when he found out on Saturday that the climbers were continuing with their plans.

"From their reaction to the helicopter, it was obvious it was the party, and they carried on their merry way."

"Perhaps they did overestimate the seriousness of their condition – though they did wait four hours before setting the beacon off.

"There obviously was an issue, but that was resolved by getting into shelter and getting warmth and hot drinks."

Mr Andrew said the climbers had made contact with DOC staff yesterday evening after walking off the mountain around 6.30pm.

The permanent alpine rescue team stationed at the mountain had so far had a busy summer, Mr McNamara said. Usually responding to 20 to 25 calls for help on the mountain, the team had conducted about 35 rescues.

-with NZPA

- © Fairfax NZ News