Monday, June 18

Two climbers who survived an avalanche on Mount Taranaki say they were prepared. The two men were carried 700 metres down the mountain after triggering an avalanche near the summit, yesterday. Paramedics and a rescue team were flown to the site, both suffered mild hypothermia and fractures before being lifted by helicopter to New Plymouth's Taranaki Base Hospital. A spokesperson says the men were well organised, and put their survival down to being prepared for the worst.

Photo by SNPA Jun 18, 2012