New Zealand confirms 2 bodies found in avalanche debris are missing Canadians

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – New Zealand police have confirmed that two bodies found in avalanche debris near a popular hiking track are those of two missing Canadian students.

Police said a post-mortem conducted Wednesday confirmed the deceased were Louis-Vincent Lessard and Etienne Lemieux, both aged 23.

According to police, the Montreal students travelled on July 7 to the South Island town of Te Anau intending to hike the Kepler Track, a route which typically takes three or four days.

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Police said they were reported missing by their families on July 25.

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Search and rescue teams found and recovered the bodies this week about 350 metres below the track amid the avalanche debris.

New Zealand officials caution hikers to take extra care on the track from May to October due to wintery conditions.

WATCH: New Zealand police to identify hikers