Injury airlift after avalanche near Mt Cook

Up to five people are believed to have been hit by an avalanche in a mountain range near Aoraki/Mt Cook this afternoon.

A police spokeswoman said police were alerted to the avalanche about 4.20pm but at this point had not been requested to assist.

The people caught in the avalanche activated a locator beacon in the Gamack Range, on the eastern side of Mt Cook, Stuff reports.

The police spokeswoman said at least one person had been injured and had been airlifted off the mountain.

It was not known if anyone else was injured.

A St John spokesman said St John was aware of the incident and like police, had not been asked to attend. 

No further information was immediately available.

The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory has a rating of 3 - considerable risk - for the area.