Poor weather conditions continue to hamper attempts to rescue an Australian climber from Mt Aspiring tonight, and while there is grave concern about his condition, rescuers are encouraged by movement of the man's emergency beacon this afternoon.
A New Zealand Rescue Co-ordination Centre spokeswoman said a helicopter and crew equipped with night-vision goggles had been based close to Aspiring Hut and would remain on standby over night, in case there was a break in the weather that would allow them to drop a bag containing clothing, equipment and food to the climber.
It was still raining, there was heavy snow on the mountain at times and there was 35kmh N/NW winds, she said.
It was preventing a rescue team from reaching the 28-29 year-old man on foot or by air.
"Unfortunately, it is still not a great weather situation at the moment, and tomorrow's (Thursday's) forecast is not that good either.
"We're still very concerned for this climber.''
The climber's beacon was seen to move a short distance to the north east about 2.30pm today (Wednesday), and rescuers said it was "a good sign''.
However, they were still very concerned for the man because he was lightly equipped.
Members of the alpine cliff rescue team found most of the man's equipment at French Ridge hut.
A spokesman believed the man had equipped himself lightly for a fast climb and return, which was "common practice''.
"While he was well equipped for the trip, he was climbing lightly equipped and most of his gear - his heavier cold weather gear, sleeping bag, food and the like - are at the hut and not with him.''
The man set off his beacon at the edge of the Bonar Glacier at 12.15pm on Tuesday.
