Search for Missing Tramper Resumes

A search is being carried out for a missing tramper overdue in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The missing female tramper was last seen at 7.30am at Mueller Hut on Wednesday 3rd February. She was intending to descend to the village, and hasn't been seen since.

Aerial searches using DOC Aoraki Search and Rescue staff commenced yesterday afternoon and carried on into the evening, with no success.

This morning a number of teams are being deployed, to search areas adjacent to the route leading from the hut to the Aoraki/Mount Cook village. An early morning team started at 5.30am, with a heat seeking device.

Weather conditions have been fine and hot, and are expected to continue. The overseas visitor was well equipped, had signed in the DOC intentions system and carried a cell phone. She has not signed out, or contact DOC staff.

Mueller Hut is an alpine tramping hut sited at 1800 metres on the Sealy Range, behind the Aoraki/Mount Cook village. It is a popular 28 bunk hut used by both day trippers and overnight trampers. The route is moderate to difficult in places, and around seven rescues have been carried out this season already, mainly people slipping whilst descending to the village. It is estimated around 10,000 people a year access the hut.

Next of kin have yet to be notified.