Sabre Peak climbing deaths

The story so far

The bodies of two climbers were found on the north buttress of Sabre Peak in Fiordland National Park after police were alerted on Saturday night when a distress beacon was activated.^{15 Dec 2025} Police identified the two men as a 28-year-old New Zealand-Canadian dual citizen and a 23-year-old Australian citizen, and said both had died while climbing on Saturday.^{15, 17 Dec 2025} Both men were living in Australia at the time of the incident.^{17 Dec 2025} The family of the 28-year-old described him as a kind and adventurous man who was passionate about his pursuits.^{18 Dec 2025}

Key moments

1. 15 Dec 2025Two climbers' bodies found on Sabre Peak's north buttress after distress beacon activation.
2. 17 Dec 2025Police identify the two climbers, one a dual citizen and one an Australian.
3. 18 Dec 2025Family of the 28-year-old climber pays tribute, describing him as kind and adventurous.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.