The Queenstown mountain rescue team raced fading light to rescue the men using a helicopter and longline after the trio became concerned about deteriorating snow conditions and the time of day.
Team member Chris Prudden said the trio called police about 4.15pm after deciding their situation was "untenable'' while descending a ridge about 200m north of Double Cone.
After discussing their predicament with the group's leader by phone, he told them to stay put and wait for rescue.
At this time of year there was a build-up of snow on the rocks, and the potential for the snow to dislodge was heightened at that time of day.
The rescue team of Mr Prudden, Rupert Gardiner and Derek Chinn assembled and were on their way about 6pm. They lifted the men off the mountain one by one.
"They were thankful for the response speed, and saving them from a very cold night in an exposed location.''
He understood they were all foreign nationals living in Queenstown.
Mr Prudden said it had been an "exceedingly quiet'' summer and winter for alpine rescues on The Remarkables, despite there being more climbing activity there than ever.
"We can only assume everyone's doing everything right, or there might be a reasonable amount of luck involved.''
