Human remains found in search for missing tramper

The Heaphy Track. Photo / WTA

Human remains have been found in the search for Andrew Ross White in the Heaphy area of the South Island.

The remains were found on the coastline north of Katipo Shelter, about 6km north of where Mr White was last seen.

Search and Rescue Coordinator Sergeant Sean Judd said the items recovered will undergo forensic analysis before the deceased could be formally identified. However, given the location, Mr Judd was confident it was the missing man.

The items recovered appeared to have washed in on the tide, he said.

Searchers have focused their efforts on the coastline today. The search has now been suspended, although periodic coastline searches will be done.

Mr White, 58, who sometimes went by the name Ross Andrews, was poorly-equipped when he began walking the Heaphy Track on August 6, and police had concerns for his welfare.

Search teams entered the track from the Karamea end yesterday after reports from members of the public who had seen a man in the area fitting Mr White's description. Department of Conservation staff checked huts on the track.

Sixteen searchers spent all day yesterday looking for him, and a fourth dog team, an additional Landsar team and a helicopter joined the search today.

Police thanked the large number of volunteers from Hokitika, Murchison, Reefton, Nelson, Westport and Karamea for their help over the last two days.