Two injured climbers were rescued after being stranded 2,500 meters up Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Helicopter crews managed to reach them early Saturday morning after poor weather had delayed earlier rescue attempts. The men had spent four nights sheltering in Empress Hut, a small cabin beneath the west face of the mountain.
Despite the long wait, the climbers were in good spirits and well-prepared, according to Aoraki Search and Rescue supervisor George Loomes. They had enough food and water but might have suffered frostbite due to the extreme cold.
The rescue was a challenge because of the dangerous terrain and limited good weather. The climbers stayed in contact with the rescue team and waited safely in the hut, which has radios but lacks basic comforts like showers or wifi. Mountain Safety Council expert Bianca Bratton explained that frostbite is a big risk in these freezing conditions.
