Rescue Coordination Centre NZ has grave concerns for safety of climber who is missing on Mount Aspiring.

A spokesperson for Rescue Coordination Centre NZ said most of his equipment was found at French Ridge Hut. It is common practice to be lightly equipped for a fast climb and return.

The Alpine Cliff Rescue (ACR) team has one person at French Ridge Hut and another at Aspiring Hut with extra equipment in case climber returns. They are also equipped with radios to notify the helicopter crew about weather and if climber returns.

Two ACR members are on standby with the rescue helicopter ready to fly when weather breaks.

Original post - posted: 11:00am Wednesday 01 Aug, 2018 ...

Weather hampers search for missing tramper

The search for a man on Mount Aspiring has been hampered by bad weather.

Police were alerted that the Australian was overdue on Tuesday morning. A rescue beacon, which was activated and moving on Tuesday, has stopped moving.

Maritime New Zealand senior media and communications advisor Vince Cholewa said two members of the alpine cliff rescue (ACR) team were dropped at French Ridge Hut yesterday. They have additional equipment in case the climber needs it, such as clothing, food and a sleeping bag.

“The ACR members are not trying to move from the hut because of the weather,” Vince said.

“They have radios and will report any localised break in the weather immediately to Aspiring Rescue Helicopters. In rugged and steep mountain terrain there can sometimes be quite localised weather conditions.”

The MetService weather forecast for the area is for bad weather continuing, though there may be a break this evening which will allow the search to continue.

Wanaka Police Station. Photo: Nikki Heath / Wanaka Sun

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