Search for missing climbers on Mt Cook dependent on weather

Police are assessing the weather at Aoraki Mount Cook to decide whether search efforts for three missing climbers can resume today.

The climbers, attempting to reach the mountain summit, were reported missing after they didn't meet their prearranged transport on Monday morning.

A helicopter and search and rescue teams were unable to find the group on Monday afternoon before bad weather halted the search.

Veteran mountaineer Chris Prudden said storms coming off the Tasman Sea could create dangers.

"That weather moves up and can hang on the main divide area and provide a lot of hazard, its not unusual for people to be caught out," he said.

Police said the search would resume when conditions allowed.