A 48-year-old woman sustained moderate injuries in a 150m fall down a steep slope on the Copland Pass route yesterday morning, hitting rocks at the base, and was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital for treatment.
Department of Conservation Aoraki-Mt Cook spokeswoman Shirley Slatter said when contacted the woman had been adamant she did not want her name released to the media.
Ms Slatter said it was clear the woman's helmet protected her from more serious head injuries.
She was conscious, talking and responsive when rescuers arrived at the scene.
The rescue team was happy the woman and her companions were prepared, well-equipped, reasonably experienced and had left clear intentions.
The injured climber was one of three female climbers in a private expedition, making their way together from the Copland Shelter to the Copland Pass.
The women were helped by two climbers from Twizel who came across the accident scene, Ms Slatter said.
A cellphone was used to call Doc's alpine rescue team about 11.20am.
The team flew in at 12.30pm.
Rescue team leader David Winterburn said the rescue was straightforward.
Ms Slatter said the weather on the Copland Pass route yesterday was good.
The ice was "rock solid" with no snow cover, which was typical at the end of a climbing season.
The climber had been unable to stop the fall.
Ms Slatter said the reason why the woman had slipped had not been clearly established.
