New search for Mt Cook missing climbers - ski pole located

Kurt Blair, 56, and Carlos Romero, 50 are two of trio who went missing from Aoraki Mt Cook, South Island, December 2.

Police have today conducted another search on Aoraki Mount Cook for the three climbers missing since December 2.

Two of the missing men are 56-year-old Kurt Blair and 50-year-old Carlos Romero, both of California, United States.

Carlos (Kique) Romero, from California, has been missing from Aoraki Mt Cook since the morning of November 2. Photo / Supplied

The third man, from Canada, has not been publicly identified. Police said the man’s family did not want his name released.

The three climbers were visiting New Zealand when they were reported overdue to return from their planned ascent of Aoraki Mt Cook on December 2.

A memorial service is being planned for Kurt Blair, 56, after he presumably suffered a fatal fall on Aoraki Mt Cook. Photo / Supplied

On December 6 police said they believed the trio were dead.

The search was paused at about the same time.

But today police confirmed they had been looking for the men again.

“Due to a change in climatic condition, police, alongside Search and Rescue staff and Department of Conservation, conducted a further search at a location of interest on the mountain,” said Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker.

“Staff travelled up the mountain via helicopter, and while the search for the men was unsuccessful, a ski pole was located.”

Police have been in contact with the families of the three men, to update them on today’s search efforts.

“We are continuing to follow the process to formally suspend our search, however we remain poised to reactivate the search if fresh information or credible sightings are reported, especially from the climbing community,” said Walker.

The search for three missing climbers on Aoraki/Mt Cook has resumed this morning. Photo / George Heard

Earlier this month Walker said police “remain poised to resume” the search it if there is fresh information or credible reports or sightings.

The feasibility of any recovery operation will be carefully considered and managed, Walker added. The coroner will be advised.