Levin Police are continuing to search for David Schopf, an Austrian national who was separated from his tramping party between Waitewaewae Hut and Parawai Lodge, Otaki Forks, on Wednesday 17th December 2014.
Three teams comprised of Police staff and LandSAR volunteers commenced searching early this morning in the Tararua Forest Park and Otaki Forks areas. The teams are also supported by a Police search and rescue dog.
A NZ Airforce Iroquois helicopter is also assisting with the search and will complete an aerial search this morning.
The current weather conditions in the search area are low cloud with light rain and a mild temperature.
Mr Schopf is described as having short blond hair and he was wearing black pants, a blue windbreaker jacket, brown hiking boots, and a yellow and black beanie at the time he was last seen. He was also carrying a large black and grey tramping pack.
Police appeal for anyone that has been in contact or has seen Mr Schopf to contact the Central District Command Centre on (06) 351 2535.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.