Two climbers die on Sabre Peak in Fiordland National Park

Wednesday 17 December 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Wed 17 Dec 2025, 12:29pm

Connor Scott McKenzie, 28, and Tanmay Shetankumar Bhati, 23, died while climbing the north buttress of Sabre Peak on Saturday. Police have identified the men, who were New Zealand-Canadian dual citizen McKenzie and Australian citizen Bhati. Both men were living in Australia at the time of the incident.

How they headlined it

10:53am11:28am12:29pm

1. StuffWed 17 Dec 2025, 10:53am

   Rock climber wanted to make his outdoor passion into a career (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesWed 17 Dec 2025, 10:58am

   Climbers killed on 'bucket list' Fiordland peak named (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldWed 17 Dec 2025, 11:28am

   Police name Sabre Peak victims while Aoraki/Mt Cook search goes on (opens in new tab)

4. RNZWed 17 Dec 2025, 12:29pm

   Two climbers still missing at Mt Cook, two who died named (opens in new tab)