Tragedy on Mt Huxley: Body Located in Search for Missing Climber Connor Purvis

By Lions Roar News South Island Desk

MOUNT HUXLEY, NEW ZEALAND (January 7, 2026) — A week-long search for missing 20-year-old climber Connor Purvis ended in tragedy this morning. Search teams located a body high on the southern side of Mount Huxley around 9:00 AM.

While formal identification is still pending, authorities believe the body is that of the young tramper, who vanished late last month while attempting to summit the peak in the Southern Alps.

🏔️ The Final Journey

Connor Purvis set out around December 30, 2025, with the intent to climb the rugged Mt Huxley and descend via the Huxley River South Branch. When he failed to return as scheduled, a “significant search effort” was launched, battling remote and treacherous terrain.

The Recovery: Sergeant Matt Sheat, Otago Coastal Search and Rescue coordinator, described the recovery site as a “remote, rugged and high-risk environment.”
Search Assets: The operation involved a massive coordination of drones, helicopters, and specialized land search and rescue (LSAR) teams.
Duration: Teams from across the South Island worked tirelessly for nearly a week before the discovery was made this morning.

🤝 A Community United in Search

The effort to find Connor saw an outpouring of support from local volunteers and professional rescue agencies across the Mackenzie and Omarama regions.

“It’s been a long, tough week for all involved. This has been a true team effort and the good people of Omarama and Mackenzie have been providing incredible support.” — Sergeant Matt Sheat

Agencies involved in the mission included:

Land Search & Rescue (LSAR): Omarama, Oamaru, Wanaka, Dunedin, and Mackenzie teams.
Specialized Teams: Mt Cook Alpine Cliff Rescue, Queenstown Alpine Cliff Rescue, and Wanaka Swiftwater/Canyon SAR.
Aerial Support: Heliventures (Oamaru) and The Helicopter Line (Mt Cook).
Communications: Amateur Radio Emergency Communications from Oamaru and Otago.

🕊️ Sympathies for Family and Friends

Police expressed deep gratitude to Connor’s family and friends, who provided vital information that helped narrow down the search area.

“Our thoughts and sympathies go out to them during this difficult time,” Sergeant Sheat said. The matter will now be referred to the Coroner to confirm the cause of death and formal identification.