Emergency services have successfully rescued an injured climber from Taranaki Maunga today after a fall left him stranded in snow and rocks above the ski field.
The climber activated his personal locator beacon (PLB) at around 9:50 am, triggering a major coordinated rescue effort in deteriorating alpine weather.
A combined team involving Police, the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ), RTB Heli, Hato Hone St John, Ruapehu Alpine Rescue, the Taranaki Alpine Rescue team, and a member of the public responded to the call.
Members of the Taranaki Alpine Rescue team reached the stranded climber on foot, providing medical stabilisation before preparing him for extraction. A rescue helicopter later transported him to Taranaki Base Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.
Search and Rescue Incident Controller Acting Sergeant David Bentley praised the climber for his preparedness, noting that the activation of the PLB was crucial for a positive outcome in the difficult environment.
"The climber did all the right things," Acting Sergeant Bentley said. "He was carrying a PLB and used it when he needed to. That decision made a real difference to the outcome."
Acting Sergeant Bentley added that the operation was complex due to the poor weather, illustrating how rapidly conditions can change on the mountain. He thanked all responding teams for their professionalism, calling search and rescue a community effort built on strong relationships.
Police are reminding anyone planning trips into alpine or remote parts of the region to check weather conditions, inform others of their plans, and ensure they carry essential emergency equipment.
