Mountain guide and client killed on Aoraki Mount Cook

Wednesday 26 November 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 26 Nov 2025, 9:07am

Thomas Vialletet, a Wānaka-based mountain guide and father of two, died alongside a United States client on Monday night. The pair fell during a summit attempt from Empress Hut on Aoraki Mount Cook. They were part of a four-person climbing party when the incident occurred.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffWed 26 Nov 2025, 4:00am

   Guiding was his ‘professional dream’ - one that cost him his life on New Zealand’s highest peak (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesWed 26 Nov 2025, 4:30am

   Wānaka guide who fell to death was dad of two (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsWed 26 Nov 2025, 9:07am

   Climbers killed on Aoraki Mount Cook were guide, US client (opens in new tab)