Search under way for Australian tourist missing in Nelson Lakes

A search is under way in the Nelson Lakes National Park for a 47 year-old Australian tourist after he failed to return from a run around Lake Rotoiti yesterday.

Dominic Marozzi, an energy engineer from Darwin, was last seen at West Bay car park at 12.45pm on Thursday. Police understand he intended to run around Lake Rotoiti, heading south along the west shore and back along the east shore. He was training for a race around the lake scheduled for next weekend.

He was expected to return from his run about 3.15pm and the alarm was raised by his wife when he had not returned after 5pm.

Tasman Police Search and Rescue Incident Controller Inspector Hugh Flower said Mr Marozzi was lightly clad for a night in the cold, but did have a whistle and survival sheet with him. Conditions overnight in the area would have been very cold.

A runner searched around the lake last night, completing the circuit in 2hrs, 20 mins. A helicopter was also used until 6.30pm. Searching resumed at first light today with dogs, field teams and a helicopter involved.