A search and rescue operation is underway near Queenstown after a German tourist failed to return a locator beacon by his "panic date".
Senior Constable Chris Blackford, of Queenstown, said the man intended to walk the Motatapu between January 16 and 20.
He hired a locator beacon from the Department of Conservation in Queenstown and listed his panic date as January 22.
Acting Senior Sergeant Steve Watt said the man's father, in Germany, had spoken to his son on January 20.
"We're waiting on confirmation as to what time the father had been speaking to him, given the time difference.
