Nelson Bays Police are appealing for sightings of British tourist Andrew Ian Wyatt who has been reported overdue on a tramp in the Nelson Lakes National Park area.
Mr Wyatt, aged 41, 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 Search and Rescue Coordinator Senior Constable Gerry Tonkin said a helicopter spent three hours yesterday visiting all of the huts in the area. He said there were a lot of trampers on the tracks, but no sign of Mr Wyatt was found.
Police have been in contact with his parents in Cornwall, England, who said they had not heard from him since 12 December.
Senior Constable Tonkin said Police were hopeful Mr Wyatt had changed his intentions and left the area.
"If he is still in that area then we have serious concerns for his welfare, given that he was last seen almost 10 days ago."
He said the weather was expected to deteriorate from today.
Senior Constable Tonkin said Police were 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.
Today Police efforts are focussed on tracing Mr Wyatt's bank and telephone records to try and eliminate the possibility he has left the area and is unaware of the concerns for his welfare.
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.
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Media Inquiries to Tasman Police Communications Manager Ph 0274 780853