Efforts to locate three climbers missing on Aoraki Mt Cook have been hindered by adverse weather conditions, preventing the resumption of search activities, police said today.

The climbers—Kurt Blair (56) and Carlos Romero (50) from the United States, and a Canadian national—were reported overdue yesterday after failing to return from their planned ascent of New Zealand’s highest peak.

The group had flown into Plateau Hut on Saturday afternoon, intending to summit the mountain via Zurbriggen Ridge.

They were expected to meet their flight out on Monday morning but did not arrive.

Inspector Vicki Walker, Aoraki Area Commander, said a search was launched yesterday involving the Department of Conservation (DoC) Search and Rescue Team, The Helicopter Line, and Police.

“During the search, several climbing-related items were located, which are believed to belong to the three men,” Walker said.

However, deteriorating weather on the mountain has stalled further search efforts. “Weather conditions are likely to prevent any further search activity until Thursday this week,” Walker said.

“Police will continue to monitor and assess the conditions.”

Authorities are working with the US and Canadian embassies to notify and support the families of the missing climbers.

Further details about the Canadian national are being withheld until all family notifications have been made.