Teams of expert alpine searchers are today being flown into the Nelson Lakes National Park to begin a ground search for missing British tramper Andrew Ian Wyatt.
Bad weather prevented searchers getting to the area before today.
Four ground teams, one dog team and a communications team are being flown by Air Force Iroquois
The communications team will need to put in a repeater to enable searchers to communicate with the search coordination centre.
It is not expected that any information will come out of the search area until later today.
The search will start from Blue Lake towards Waiau Pass and Moss Pass.
All of the search and rescue volunteers have been selected for their expertise in alpine conditions and will remain in the area until Sunday if required, when it is expected the weather will again deteriorate.
Search co-ordinator Constable Dave Cogger said he was in daily contact with Mr Wyatt's parents in the UK who were extremely concerned for their son's welfare. UK Police are providing support for the family.
Mr Wyatt arrived in New Zealand on 21 November with the intention of walking the Te Araroa Trail which links tramping routes from Cape Reinga to Bluff.
The last known sighting of him was on 15 December when he left Blue Lake Hut about 6am.
Police are very keen to speak to anyone who was tramping in the Blue Lake, Sabine Valley, D'Urville Valley area of Nelson Lakes National Park between 13 and 19 December.
Mr Wyatt is 6ft 1in tall, with ginger hair and was carrying light equipment.
Anyone with any information that may be relevant to this search should contact Nelson Police, Ph 03 546 3840.
end
Media inquiries to Tasman Police Communications Manager PH 0274 780853.
