Trampers die near Franz Josef

The Waiho River near Franz Josef. Photo / Andrew Ashton

Two female backpackers who were washed down a river to their deaths on the West Coast late on Friday were just 2km from safety.

The pair, aged 20 and 23, were swept off their feet while trying to cross the Waiho River, near Franz Josef, during an unguided hike.

Their bodies were found downstream following a two hour search and rescue operation early yesterday.

Constable Bill Parker, of Franz Josef, said the women, from Malaysia and Taiwan, tried to cross the river at night after leaving the marked walking track at the base of the glacier valley.

Although weather conditions were fine the river was dangerous, Parker said.

"We have had a lot of snow melt so the river comes up with that. It also makes it extremely murky. They wouldn't have been able to see any holes or rocks."

Yesterday, fellow backpackers were opting for guided tours of the glacier and valley.

Plump Pigeon Restaurant and Bar manager Danae Taylor said backpackers seemed to be taking safety more seriously.

"Two blokes came in today and said they'd decided to go with guided tours just to be a bit safer."

The deaths were referred to the coroner, while efforts to contact next of kin through the Taiwanese and Malaysian consulates continued.

Local helicopter pilot Angus Taylor said the river was not high at the time.

"A lot of people underestimate how long the tramp will take and try to take short cuts out in the dark and try to cross rivers. It's a steep river and very cold. It comes straight out of the glacier," he said.

- GREYMOUTH STAR