Body found during search for missing Brit

Andrew Wyatt

A body has been found in Nelson Lakes National Park, where search teams are looking for a missing British tramper.

The body, which is yet to be formally identified, was found today at the bottom of a 100 metre cliff.

The location of the body was below the Lake Constance Bluff, which is on Andrew Wyatt's intended route between Blue Lake Hut and Waiau Pass, police say.

Mr Wyatt arrived in New Zealand on November 21 with the intention of walking the Te Araroa Trail, which linked tramping routes from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

The last known sighting of him was on December 15 when he left Blue Lake Hut about 6am.

Teams of expert alpine searchers were to be flown into the Nelson Lakes National Park today to begin a ground search for him.

Four ground teams, one dog team and a communications team were being flown by Air Force Iroquois, search co-ordinator Constable Dave Cogger said.

Bad weather has prevented searchers getting to the area before today.

Mr Cogger said he was in daily contact with Mr Wyatt's parents in Cornwall, who had been extremely concerned for their son's welfare. British police were providing support for the family.