Two Australian climbers were injured on Aoraki/Mt Cook
overnight when they were hit by ice and fell 200m.
The 36 and 37-year-olds were attempting to climb the mountain
via Zurbriggens Ridge, Search and Rescue coordinator Senior
Constable Brent Swanson said.
About 1am they were hit by falling ice and then fell 200m.
It was not known if they were tramping at the time or were
camped on the slope.
One received facial injuries and the other chest injuries
making it difficult to breath, Mr Swanson said.
The pair managed to make their way back to Plateau hut were
the alarm was raised.
At first light today members of the Aoraki/Mt Cook Mountain
Rescue team flew in by helicopter and rescued the pair.
They were treated before being taken to Timaru Hospital had
been treated initially and then transported to Timaru
Hospital. Their injuries were not life threatening, Mr
Swanson said.
There were large numbers of climbers in the park making use
of the good weather and climbing conditions, he said.
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