The four climbers recovered from Aoraki Mt Cook are all Latvian nationals believed to be here on a climbing expedition.
The three males and one female appear to have taken a massive fall from near the summit of Mt Cook (we do not know whether ascending or descending.)
All had suffered massive trauma indicating a fall of at least 300 metres. They were most likely roped together however one was found unroped when rescuers arrived at the scene.
Mortuary procedures are being carried out at a temporary mortuary set up at the Mt Cook Village. The bodies will then be transported through to Timaru.
Procedures to locate and notify next of kin are currently taking place. It is not anticipated that there will be another press release today before next of kin have been notified.
Constable Brent Swanson - Twizel Police