Tramper dies in fall near Arthur's Pass, another airlifted to safety after plunge near Franz Josef

One tramper died near Arthur's Pass and another was airlifted out to Franz Josef Glacier this morning after spending a night seriously injured, as a result of two separate backcountry accidents.

A Christchurch man died yesterday afternoon after falling on Mount Harper. His companion set off a beacon to summon help from the head of the Waimakariri River about 4.30pm when the man did not return from a day trip climbing Mount Harper, next to the highest peak in the Arthur's Pass National Park.

A rescue helicopter was sent to the location, where rescuers spoke to the victim's tramping companion and then flew around the area. Crew members observed what they thought was a body, but due to the location were unable to reach it.

It appeared the victim had fallen a considerable distance.

His companion was flown back to Arthur's Pass village and was safe and well.

Constable Philip Simmonds, of Arthur's Pass, said until the body had been retrieved, identified and next of kin informed, they would not be releasing any identifying information.

This morning, the NZCC Rescue Helicopter was sent up to recover the body, but while waiting for the cloud to clear it was diverted to another tramping accident behind Franz Josef.

The Rescue Co-ordination Centre said the patient was part of a group of four. It was not immediately clear where they were from but the man had numerous broken bones after falling on Mount Elie de Beaumont. Due to conditions, the helicopter could not reach him last evening.

A team from DOC's Mount Cook Alpine Cliff Rescue reached the accident site this morning, stabilised the victim and brought him out on a Helicopter Line machine.
Senior sergeant Antony Callon said the man had fallen off an alpine glacier.

"The man fell a considerable distance and will be transferred to Christchurch Hospital for medical treatment," Mr Callon said.

Rescue helicopter pilot Angus Taylor said the injuries appeared "reasonably serious".

The Greymouth-based helicopter later headed back to Arthur's Pass to recover the body of the other climbing victim.

- Greymouth Star