Missing tramper

Wanaka Police and Wanaka Land Search and Rescue ACR members are currently night searching difficult terrain in the Mt Aspiring National Park for a missing solo hunter.

A 23 year old male from Central Otago has been reported overdue from a solo chamois hunting trip in the West Matukituki Valley area.

The search team, which is flying with Southern Lakes Helicopters from Te Anau piloted by Richard Hayes, is equipped with night vision equipment, night sun and a winch.

Wanaka Police SAR coordinator Snr Constable Mike Johnston says he was informed of the situation at 10pm and the team was deployed once the helicopter arrived from Te Anau.

The focus search area is in the upper Rob Roy Valley and the southern face of Homestead Peak. This is based on the missing person's intentions that where left with family members prior to starting his trip on Friday the 6th of January. He was expected to return from his trip late afternoon on the 8th of January.

The conditions for night flying currently are very favorable with clear skies, light winds and good moon light which aid the effectiveness of the night vision equipment. The hope of the search team is that the missing person has a light source which can be detected by the search team using the night vision equipment.

Another Wanaka ACR team is currently on standby if the need arises that the search team requires further assistance and the family of the missing person are being kept informed of the search progress.