Police are concerned for the safety of three overseas climbers missing on Aoraki Mount Cook, but a search operation is on hold because of deteriorating weather.
The Department of Conservation's Alpine Rescue Team did an aerial search this morning but had to call it off because of bad weather.
Police said the men - two Germans and an Australian - left Plateau Hut at 1.30am on Monday, and were last seen a few hours later on Linda Glacier.
The missing Australian man has been named as Michael Bishop but the names of the two German men will not be released until their families are informed of the situation.
Constable Brent Swanson said the forecast was for the weather to deteriorate, and it did not look like it will be good enough to search again until Thursday.
He said local guides told him that climbing conditions yesterday were good but crevasses were an issue on Aoraki Mount Cook at the moment.
Mr Swanson said the climbers were reportedly well-equipped.
