The two climbers and their six rescuers are still trapped on the Rudolf Glacier despite the weather gradually clearing.
A helicopter is standing by on the Tasman Glacier to fly across as soon as there is a break in the weather. It took off just after 1pm.
Meanwhile those on the Rudolf have packed up camp and have started walking down the glacier towards the base camp which was established there two days ago. Two of the four person rescue team there have begun to walk up to meet them and help carry gear down.
They may have to all spend the night at the base camp if the helicopter is unable to get in today.
DOC staff say that those on the glacier had a good start to the day with yoghurt and muesli and were all still `in fine fettle’.
The helicopter will (when it can lift them off), bring them all back to the Mt Cook village where they’ll be checked by a local doctor