Climbers safe after three days in snow cave

Four climbers trapped by bad weather on Mt Ruapehu were able to walk down this morning, a Turoa Skifield spokesman has confirmed.

The spokesman said the four were spotted walking to the bottom of the ski area late this morning.

Earlier today, Department of Conservation Tongariro National Park area manager Mark Davies said it was a "beautiful day" on the mountain and the climbers would not have any difficulty.

The group, aged in their 20s, climbed the mountain on Saturday and built a snow cave to stay the night in, but ended up spending two more nights after high winds and poor visibility made the return trip dangerous.

"They weren't in any risk," Mr Davies told NZPA.

The climbers, believed to be two brothers and two sisters, kept in contact with police from the onset of the bad weather.

- NZPA