Triumphant end to Mt Cook tragedy 

New Zealander Mark Inglis has become the first double amputee to reach the summit of Aoraki-Mt Cook.

Aided by perfect climbing conditions, Inglis and his team started their ascent at 3.30am on Monday, reaching the summit at 1pm.

It was the third attempt by Inglis to conquer New Zealand's highest mountain, after his first had ended in tragedy.

In 1982, Inglis and his climbing companion Phil Doole were rescued from the mountain after they were trapped in freezing conditions for 14 days.

Frostbite claimed the legs of both men.

Prior to Christmas 2001, Inglis attempted to scale Aoraki-Mt Cook for the first time since his double amputation.

Weather conditions forced his retreat, however the new year's attempt proved successful and Inglis could find few words to explain his sense of achievement.

"Almost indescribable - it's better than the silver at the Paralymics, I can tell you," he said.

It was also an emotional moment for Inglis' friend, Mary Hobbs.

"I could swear there was a few tears from [guide] Charlie and Mark when they reached that summit. [It was a] very special moment, not a dry eye in the helicopter either," said Hobbs.

Inglis said he had been supported extensively in his climb by the weather conditions and his climbing team.

"I just feel an incredible privilege to be able to finish off what I started off before Christmas, and you know the mountain let me do it this time - with a lot of help from a lot of friends," said Inglis.

Hobbs said she was inspired by Inglis' achievements.

"It was one of the most inspirational things I have ever seen, this double amputee summiting Mt Cook. It's absolutely fantastic and New Zealand should celebrate," she said.

Inglis said that now he had attained his aim, he would move on to new goals.

"I don't tend to do things twice. This is it - it's been done."