Two climbers have died after falling from Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest peak, with two others rescued unharmed in a dramatic overnight operation. The incident highlights the inherent dangers of mountaineering in one of the world’s most challenging alpine environments.
The group of four climbers ran into trouble late on Monday, November 24, 2025, while attempting to summit the 3,724-meter Aoraki, also known as Mount Cook. Emergency services were contacted, prompting a swift response from authorities. In the early hours of Tuesday, a helicopter rescue successfully airlifted two climbers to safety; they were found to be uninjured despite the ordeal.
Searchers continued their efforts through the night, using two helicopters to scan the treacherous terrain. Hours later, they located the bodies of the two missing climbers, who had fallen near the summit. The climbers were still connected by their rope and harness, suggesting they plummeted together during the ascent or descent.
Aoraki is part of the Southern Alps on New Zealand’s South Island, a majestic but formidable range. Its slopes are riddled with deep crevasses, prone to avalanches, and subject to sudden weather shifts, making it a technically difficult climb even for seasoned mountaineers. The mountain has long been a magnet for domestic and international adventurers drawn to its iconic status.
Police Inspector Vicki Walker confirmed that recovery operations are underway but described the conditions as a “challenging alpine environment.” Specialist teams are working to retrieve the bodies, though the process is slow and hazardous due to the unstable ice and rock.
While the climbers’ identities have not been officially released, local media reports indicate that one of the deceased was a renowned, internationally certified mountain guide. This detail underscores that expertise alone cannot always avert tragedy in such extreme settings.
This event recalls a similar incident from December 2024, when three climbers—two from the United States and one from Canada—disappeared on Aoraki and were later presumed dead after a multi-day search hampered by poor weather. Historically, the mountain has claimed over 240 lives since the early 20th century, with many victims never recovered, and fatalities occur almost every climbing season.
The recurring nature of these accidents prompts ongoing discussions about risk management and safety protocols in mountaineering. Authorities and climbing communities continue to advocate for thorough preparation, but the allure of Aoraki ensures that climbers will keep testing their limits against its formidable heights.
