Climbers hurt in Mt Cook fall

Two climbers received injuries after falling at Aoraki/Mt Cook. Photo / Simon Baker

Two Australian climbers were injured on Aoraki/Mt Cook overnight when they were hit by ice and fell 200m.

The 36 and 37-year-olds were attempting to climb the mountain via Zurbriggens Ridge, Search and Rescue coordinator Senior Constable Brent Swanson said.

About 1am they were hit by falling ice and then fell 200m.

It was not known if they were tramping at the time or were camped on the slope.

One received facial injuries and the other chest injuries making it difficult to breath, Mr Swanson said.

The pair managed to make their way back to Plateau hut were the alarm was raised.

At first light today members of the Aoraki/Mt Cook Mountain Rescue team flew in by helicopter and rescued the pair.

They were treated before being taken to Timaru Hospital had been treated initially and then transported to Timaru Hospital. Their injuries were not life threatening, Mr Swanson said.

There were large numbers of climbers in the park making use of the good weather and climbing conditions, he said.