Some human remains have been recovered by a police search team this morning in the Copland Valley, South Westland.
These will be sent to Christchurch for examination by a pathologist. Identification could take some time.
While the remains are not immediately identifiable, the only known missing person in the area is Mr James Meredith MORGAN of Sydney. The confirmed last sighting of Mr MORGAN was in early October near the Douglas Rock Hut, at the base of Mt Sefton.
Mr MORGAN's family in Australia has been advised of the find.
Sergeant Russell GLUE, Hokitika