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Police and search teams are combing tracks in the Rimutaka Forest Park near Wainuiomata for a missing 28-year-old Polish tramper.
Computer software engineer Jacek Grzybowski was expected to return from a day tramp on Saturday.
His flatmates, also Polish, became increasingly worried when he did not return by Saturday evening. The alarm was raised yesterday.
Wellington District Police operations manager, Inspector Mike Wright, said today 24 searchers, split into six teams, were operating out of the Rimutaka Forest Park visitor centre, focusing on likely tracks in the Catchpool and Mt Matthews area.
Two teams were being dropped into the bush by the Westpac Rescue helicopter, which would then sweep the Orongorongo River, while other teams were going by foot and four-wheel drive vehicles.
"Our biggest problem is that we don't know for certain just where Mr Grzybowski intended to go," Mr Wright said.
"He'd talked with friends about the Belmont Regional Park and the Rimutaka Forest Park but didn't say for sure just where he planned to go.
"Both parks are very popular for trampers, walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. We're appealing to people, particularly those who were in the parks during Queen's Birthday Weekend to contact police," he said.
Mr Grzybowski was described as 180cm tall, with brown/blond hair and of medium build.
He was fit and healthy, and spent a lot of time in the outdoors.
He arrived in Wellington in February on a working holiday and has spent most weekends exploring bush and coastal tracks in the Wellington region.
He was believed to be wearing a green and black Gortex jacket and carrying a small black backpack. It was not known what other clothing or equipment he had with him.
Mr Grzybowski did not have access to a car or bike and was known to have travelled by train and bus.
"We need to hear from people who saw him on trains or buses, as well as in the park," Mr Wright said.
It had been cold and wet at times over the last few days and river levels had fluctuated in the area, he said.
"He only planned a day trip so we're obviously concerned the longer he's out there."
The number to call with information on possible sightings was: 0800 TIPOFF - 0800 847 633.
- NZPA
