A large-scale search resumed at first light today for the British tourist missing in the Wangapeka Track area of Kahurangi National Park, near Nelson.
James Esbester, 30, from Portsmouth in the UK is believed to be in the area between Luna Peak and Biggs Tops. The terrain is extremely rugged.
Teams of experienced cavers will abseil down bluffs in the area today and nine teams of searchers on foot will also gird search an 8km area. About 35 searchers are in the field today, with about 50 Police, Fire Service, Defence Force and volunteers involved in the operation.
An Airforce Iroquois and tracker dogs are also being used in today's search.
There was rain in the area overnight, however conditions today are fine.
Mr Esbester's father arrived in Nelson last night and has been briefed by Police. He will be taken to the forward command base near Tapawera today.
Mr Esbester had been on a cycling holiday in New Zealand and is described as very fit.
ends