An extensive search is continuing today in an extremely remote and rugged part of the Ahuriri Valley for a missing Dunedin tramper.
David Charles Palmer (53) went into the area on what was believed to be a three to four hour tramp on Saturday (5 May).
Police and SAR teams began searching for him around 6pm on Sunday (6 May). The search continued through Sunday night using a helicopter with night vision capabilities and ground teams with a SAR trained tracking dog.
Mr Palmer's vehicle was located at the base of the Dingle Burn track in the Ahuriri Valley.
Today around 50 SAR volunteers and Police SAR staff from Dunedin, Queenstown and Twizel are carrying out a ground search of a large area of approximately 200 square kilometres in the vicinity of Birchwood.
The search began at day break and is being assisted by a helicopter undertaking an aerial search.
Police remain positive that Mr Palmer will be located safe and well.
ENDS
Released by Sergeant Tony Woodbridge, Oamaru Police
Note to media: a further media update is planned for approximately 4.30pm