Weather continues to hamper search efforts for missing Aoraki/Mt Cook climbers

The search is continuing for the missing climbers on Aoraki/Mt Cook.

The search for three climbers missing on Aoraki/Mt Cook will depend on the weather.

The three men, who were attempting to summit, were due to complete their climb at 8.30am yesterday but did not meet their prearranged transport, police said.

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A missing persons report was filed 12.45pm.

“Police search and rescue and Department of Conservation search and rescue are working together to locate the three men,” a police spokesperson said.

Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker said a helicopter and specialist search and rescue personnel searched on the mountain throughout the afternoon and into the evening until “weather conditions deteriorated”.

Walker said they would be working with DoC this morning to assess the weather conditions and determine whether search efforts are able to continue.

According to MetService, heavy rain and snow above 3200m are forecast for the national park today.

It also described the risk of an avalanche in high alpine areas as “moderate”.

MetService meteorologist Clare O’Connor said the rainy conditions will continue throughout today.

“Winds will also be stronger this morning, especially higher up in those mountains, but they will ease a bit as the day goes on.”

O’Connor said the rain and wind is set to ease this evening and revealed that will “no doubt help” in terms of continuing the search efforts.

- More to come.