‘The Press’ – Two climbers feared dead

Published on Saturday, January 1st, 2000, under Media

The Press
by Anna Claridge
01 January 2000

Two climbers feared dead 

Two Christchurch climbers are feared dead after falling from a ridge on Mount D’rchiac in the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.

18 people including 5 from Christchurch, have died in the park since 1995.

According to Department Of Concervation records the climbers became the 200th persons to die in the national park.

Mr Swanson said climbers going into the Southern Alps knew the risks of their sport. “It’s like motor sport, car racing, they do it because they love it, and they get a rush, but it is dangerous, and accidents can happen”.

New Zealand Alpine Club spokesman Jeoff Gabites said Mount D’Archiac attracted only the most experienced climbers. “It is a mountain with a reputation. It;s a long way from anywhere and it’s got a sad background. But it is a challenge that is so attractive to climbers – it’s a remote, beautiful peak. If you are going to go that far in (to the Southern Alps), you have to have it together.  You are a long way from help if you need it. To go into D’Archiac this time of year you would have to know what you are doing.”