The man, who had been intending to climb Devil's Armchair, was reported overdue shortly after midnight on Monday morning. Photo / NZME
The man, who had been intending to climb Devil's Armchair, was reported overdue shortly after midnight on Monday morning. Photo / NZME
The man found dead in Fiordland this week was carrying safety equipment — for what was meant to be a one-day hike — and was an experienced tramper who worked for Queenstown company Ultimate Hikes.
He was reported missing shortly after midnight on Monday after he did not return fromthe hike to Devil's Armchair, near the northern end of the Milford Track.
Ultimate Hikes general manager Noel Saxon said in a statement the young man was a lodge attendant at Mitre Peak Lodge, which is operated by Ultimate Hikes.
The company was "deeply saddened by the death of one of its staff members."
The staff member did not return from a planned day-hike in Fiordland on his scheduled day off, March 27.
He was suitably experienced and carried a personal locator beacon and a two-way radio.
The family were grateful for the support of Ultimate Hikes and emergency services, but would make no further comment at this stage, the statement said.
