A large-scale search for a tramper reported missing on Sunday evening in Milford Sound will continue today.
The solo tramper failed to return after a planned day trip to climb Mitre Peak.
The alarm was raised promptly, and a search and rescue operation began immediately, shortly before midnight on May 5.
Police said this morning "due to weather conditions, helicopters have been unable to fly, however teams on the ground will continue to search from first light".
"Search teams are mindful of the tricky terrain and weather warnings, which could potentially hamper search efforts," a police spokesperson said.
Detective Tracy Ward said yesterday a large number of people have been working through arduous terrain since Monday, assisted by helicopter crews.
"Roughly 60 volunteers, 10 police staff and the various helicopter and tourism staff are working hard to find the missing man," she said.
The search is being supported by Land Search and Rescue teams from Fiordland, Caitlins and Southland, Southern Lakes Helicopters, Heli-Otago, Southland Amateur Radio Emergency Communications, a Wakatipu Land Search and Rescue tracking dog team, a Dunedin Land Search and Rescue air scent dog team, and Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue teams.
"There is also a huge amount of local support being provided by tourism operator Real NZ at Milford Sound."
A police incident management team was in place in Invercargill, supporting a forward command base at Milford Sound.
Ward said helicopter searches began on Monday and carried on into the night, before resuming Tuesday morning.
"Land Search and Rescue field and dog teams have been in the search area since Monday morning, as well as alpine cliff rescue teams due to the incredibly steep terrain in the area."
Real NZ has assisted the operation with marine vessels and support staff, as well as helping the search staff at the forward control base in Milford Sound.
“We are looking at a wide search area in a very rugged part of New Zealand.
"We have yet to find any items that could help narrow the search area, but we are remaining positive," she said.
“The man we are looking for is experienced in the outdoors and we believe he had suitable clothing and provisions, which can make all the difference.
"We are in contact with his next of kin, but at this stage are not in a position to release further details about him,” Detective Ward said.
Police have spoken to a number of people who encountered the man in the vicinity of Mitre Peak on Sunday, May 4.
Ward said officers still wanted to hear from anyone who was in the area on Sunday.
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