The bodies of the two climbers who went missing on Aoraki Mount Cook earlier this week have been recovered.
About 10.45pm on Monday a group of four climbers made up of two guides and two clients were climbing to summit Aoraki from Empress Hut, when two fell from a ridge on the west side of the mountain.
Police were notified about 11.20pm.
Police have confirmed one of the climbers is from the United States of America and are working with the US consulate.
The New Zealand Mountain Guides Association says the guide, who is yet to be formally named, was a respected, valued and integral part of the guiding community.
The two climbers who fell near the summit were connected by rope; the other two members of the party were successfully brought down unharmed by helicopter.
Mountain Safety Council Chief Executive Mike Daisley said in a statement that this time of year is the busy mountaineering season, with many climbers heading into the mountains.
"Recent fine weather has drawn many mountaineers to the high alpine, with multiple guided and recreational teams summiting Aoraki 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."
Police, alongside the Department of Conservation and Rescue Coordination Centre carried out the search, at 7am Tuesday the two missing climbers were located deceased and were recovered by midday.
Since 1907, 62 people have died or disappeared on the mountain.
Daisley says "These mountaineering fatalities are a reminder of the high consequence environment of our alpine mountains, especially our highest peak. [Aoraki Mount Cook]"
"Mountaineering has little to know margin for error, even the most qualified professionals cannot eliminate all risk."
The deaths are now with the coroner and a formal investigation into the incident will take place.
