An investigation has been launched after a mountaineering guide and their client have tragically died after falling from the summit of New Zealand’s highest peak
Two climbers have tragically fallen to their death whilst climbing New Zealand’s highest peak.
The pair were completing a grand traverse of Aoraki/Mount Cook when they fell from the summit ridge on Monday (November 24) night.
One of the climbers was an IFMGA-qualified mountain guide and the other their client. According to New Zealand Mountain Guides Association the fatality occurred at approximately 11.50pm on Monday.
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The pair were part of a team of four, including two guides and their two clients, who were completing the route together. The other two members of the party were successfully brought down unharmed from the summit ridge, reports New Zealand Mountain Safety Council.
The guide has not yet been formally identified by police but is said to have been ‘an integral part of the guiding community’ and the organisation are supporting their partner and children at this hard time. MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley says this time of year is very busy as many climbers are heading into the mountains.
He added: “Recent fine weather has drawn many mountaineers to the high alpine, with multiple guided and recreational teams summiting Aoraki/Mount Cook over the past week.
“Current conditions on the mountain are considered ideal for mountaineering, with firm overnight snow conditions and well-filled glaciers following early spring snowstorms.”
NZMGA President Anna Keeling paid tribute to the guide and said: “They were an integral part of our guiding community. NZMGA’s focus is now on those most affected, and our priority is supporting the family, including their partner and children, as well as our wider guiding community during this extremely difficult time.”
The response to these deaths comes as a stark reminder about the danger of mountaineering. In December 2024, three climbers, including two guides from the US and Canada, died while climbing Aoraki/Mt Cook.
Their bodies were never recovered. Daisley said: “These mountaineering fatalities are a reminder of the high-consequence environment of our alpine mountains, especially our highest peak.
“Mountaineering has very little margin for error. Even the most qualified professionals cannot eliminate all risk.”
NZMGA says a formal investigation into the incident will take place in due course. Keeling said: “There will be an opportunity for the NZMGA to understand and share more about what happened in this tragic accident.”
MSC and NZMGA offer their sincere condolences to the families of the deceased, and wider alpine and guiding community.