Climber airlifted to hospital

A climber in Milford Sound was taken to hospital today after falling and injuring his back.

A climber has been airlifted to hospital with serious back injuries after a fall near Milford Sound.

The 52-year-old man, believed to be from Queenstown, was rescued by helicopter at 8.45am today from the Donne River area.

A companion walked out of the back country to get help at 11.45pm yesterday.

The helicopter returned to the scene just after 9.30am to rescue two other members of the same group, believed to be suffering from hypothermia.

Senior Sergeant Craig Brown, Southern District, said: "The climber had suffered a fall late on Sunday night."

Weather conditions and heavy rain hampered the rescue as the helicopter was unable to fly until first light this morning.

"The area where the man fell was very steep with difficult access," he said.

Mr Brown said police were assisted by Fiordland LandSAR, a local doctor and members of the Milford Sound Emergency Response Team.

"The team went in on foot and medical assistance was provided until a LDART rescue helicopter could fly to the scene."

The climber was flown to Dunedin for treatment. Police do not have information on how far he fell.

The Donne River rises in the Darran Mountains in Fiordland National Park.