Twizel Police confirm that three people have died on the Ball Pass in the Southern Alps today.
"The three were part of a guided tour of eight, including six climbers and two guides, when the accident happened this morning," says Senior Constable Brent Swanson.
A call was received at 10.35am from the group and a Search and Rescue operation was immediately activated. SAR staff have been at the scene but have now returned to Mt Cook
"The bodies of the deceased are still at the scene as poor weather has put retrieval on hold," says Brent Swanson. "The others in the group are due to arrive back at Mt Cook soon by helicopter "
Details of the deceased are being confirmed and next of kin sought.