Two climbers overdue from Mt Earnslaw, Mount Aspiring National Park

A search and rescue effort is underway for two people overdue from a climb on Mt Earnslaw in the South Island.

Police said authorities were alerted to the situation yesterday when the pair, who were due back yesterday, did not return.

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Mt Earnslaw, also known as Pikirakatahi, is located within Mount Aspiring National Park at the southern end of the Forbes Range of the Southern Alps.

A vehicle belonging to the pair was found at the spot where it is thought they had left it, a spokeswoman said.

It is understood a search and rescue team is now responding to the area in a bid to find the climbers.

- More to come