Climbers fall to death in NZ Southern Alps

Two experienced climbers have been killed while climbing New Zealand's Mt Silberhorn in the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

Mt Cook national park on the South Island of New Zealand, September, 2007. Mt Cook National park is part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area Source: AAP

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.

Inspector Gaskin said they were seeking confirmation of the identities of the pair.