Helicopters and drones were used to try to track the location of three climbers who were set to climb Mount Cook on Saturday.
Ms Walker said the drone footage showed where the climbers began crossing the slopes below the Zurbriggen ridge
This included footprints and equipment, including clothing and energy gels, believed to belong to the men.
Climbing Mt Cook via the Zurbriggen Range is a grade four climb according to the New Zealand alpine group Climb NZ. This means it requires “sound climbing judgment and experience”.
Both Blair and Romero are said to have been experienced climbers.
A tribute to Blair from the Silverton Avalanche School in the US state of Colorado described him as a “beloved resident of the San Juan Mountains who comes from a proud line of mountain adventurers”.
“Anyone who has spent time with Kurt in the mountains knows that his calm demeanor and positive presence belied the gruffness and sharp tongues that are so often exemplified by the harsh antics of mountain guides,” the statement on social media said.
His co-worker told New Zealand news site Stuff that the father-of-two had been backpacking around the world.
Meanwhile, California-based group SWS Mountain Guides said Romero, who was known as Quique, was a “beloved guide, teacher and mentor.”
“Kike is widely respected for his guiding skills and enthusiasm for climbing.”
According to Stuff, Romero was originally from Venezuela and worked for several years at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California.
Police said they would not release the Canadian’s name out of respect for his family’s wishes.
Mount Cook, located in the South Island, is 3,724 m (12,217 ft) high and is a popular challenge for climbers from all over the world.
