Two climbers have fallen to their death in New Zealand's Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.
The bodies of the experienced pair, who were last heard from via a radio call on December 28, were found on New Year's Day at the bottom of a steep face on the eastern slopes of the 3300m Mt Silberhorn.
Police said the pair had been camping high up the mountain, the seventh-highest in the country, but failed to return from their climb sparking a search.
Area Commander Dave Gaskin said it was clear they had fallen a considerable distance.
"Recovery at present is not possible due to the amount of debris - rock and ice - falling off the mountain but hopefully later today when the sun leaves the face a recovery operation can be attempted," he said.
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Inspector Gaskin said they were seeking confirmation of the identities of the pair.
