Australian man, 70, dies after falling on Routeburn Track

The man fell while on a guided tour of the Routeburn Track. Photo / File

An Australian man died after falling on the Routeburn Track on Friday afternoon.

Police said the 70-year-old man fell between Lake McKenzie Hut and Routeburn Falls Hut. He was on a guided walking tour.

Emergency services were called at 12.45pm. The man was seriously injured and a helicopter was sent.

The man's body could not be immediately recovered because of low cloud and high winds, but emergency services reached him by around 7.30pm.

Ultimate Hikes said the man had been part of a multi-day guided walk with the company.

The group, accompanied by four guides, was on the second day of a three-day trek that starts at The Divide and ends at the Routeburn Shelter, Ultimate Hikes said in a statement.

"The incident took place between Lake McKenzie Hut and Routeburn Falls Hut about 12.30pm today. The man had been walking up a rise on the track and was about to walk on to a bridge when he slipped and fell.

"An Ultimate Hikes guide and a walker, who is also a trained emergency physician, were behind him and immediately assisted, along with two other guides. The man was unable to be revived.

"Weather conditions were wet and windy but not considered unsafe to walk," Ultimate Hikes general manager Noel Saxon said.

"Our sincerest condolences go out to the man's family and friends at this very sad time. We are focused on supporting his family, the other walkers in the group and our staff who may have been affected. We will also be working with the appropriate authorities as investigations commence."

Ultimate Hikes said no further comment would be made due to the incident now being a police and WorkSafe investigation.

Police, Search and Rescue and volunteers from Queenstown helped with the rescue.

The 32km Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, runs between Lake Wakatipu and Te Anau.