Man dies in 500ft NZ cliff plunge

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A young rock climber from the West Midlands died when he fell about 500ft (155m) down a cliff at a beauty spot in New Zealand.

Matthew Allison, 26, was climbing with a companion when he apparently fell while trying to clear a tangled rope.

Mr Allison, from Quinton, Birmingham, was found dead at Chinaman's Bluff in the Dart River Valley, near Queenstown, on South Island on Saturday morning.

His family said they were devastated by the loss of an inspirational character.

A search and rescue operation began when Mr Allison, whom police described as an experienced climber, went missing late on Friday.

His body was found by ground searchers in thick scrub at the base of the cliff at 0825 local time on Saturday.

His climbing companion, James Briscall, 37, was rescued unharmed.

'Fantastic climb'

Mr Briscall was airlifted from a small ledge where he had spent the night, about 650ft (200m) from the base of the cliff.

Police said it appeared that Mr Allison fell while attempting to clear an entangled rope while making his way down the cliff after completing the climb.

Mr Briscall extended his sympathy to Mr Allison's family and friends.

He said: "Matt and I had experienced a fantastic climb and Matt had expressed how privileged he felt to bear witness to the amazing scenery around us."

Mr Allison had been living in New Zealand for two years and working as a canyon guide.

Mr Allison spoke to his mother on the phone on his 26th birthday

He grew up in Birmingham and attended Quinton Church Junior School, then Stourbridge College. He had later moved to Halesowen in the West Midlands where his mother lives.

He had a degree in Outdoor Adventure Leadership from the University of Central Lancashire.

One of his former lecturers, Jonny Lynch, said: "Matt was a rare breed. I saw in Matt a very rare quality in those who work in outdoor education.

"In the 17 years I've been involved in the field I've seen it only a few people."

Mr Allison had lived in the town of Wanaka since February where he belonged to a group using art and drama to spread environmental messages.

He was part of a team which performed at Parliament in Wellington, and was involved in campaigns to reduce the use of plastic bags.

His family said his body would be flown back to the UK for a funeral, although no date has been confirmed.