Sergeant Dougall Henderson, Southland search and rescue co-ordinator, said police maintained contact with the climbers via satellite, keeping them updated with rescue efforts. Two climbers await rescue on a mountainside near Sabre Peak. Photo / Southern Lakes HelicoptersIt was third time lucky for the climbers as rescue staff were able to rescue them this morning. “About 7am today the Southern Lakes Helicopter crew successfully located the climbers and carried out a 100ft [30m] long-line extraction from the mountainside,” Henderson said. Henderson said the outcome highlighted good decision-making by the climbers and the challenges faced by rescue services in alpine environments.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 10, 2026 08:15 UTC