Mountain tragedy: Two climbers die after falling near Mt Taranaki summit

Two climbers are dead after a tragic accident on Mt Taranaki.

A recovery operation is under way to retrieve the bodies of two climbers after an accident near the top of Mt Taranaki.

A police spokesman said police and Alpine Cliff Rescue staff were trying to recover the bodies and conduct a scene examination.

A search and rescue operation was mounted after police were told a climber had fallen just before 10pm yesterday and the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter flew over the area.

A police spokesperson said the bodies of two climbers were spotted just after midnight.

However, because of the weather and darkness, the bodies could not be recovered at the time.

Inquiries are ongoing and efforts are being made to identify the two people.