Police step up search for missing biker

Police have stepped up their search for a man who did not return from a trailbike ride in the Hutt Valley, near Wellington, yesterday.

Inspector Mike Wright said police were called about 7.30pm after the 35-year-old failed to return home at the expected time of 4.30pm.

Search and rescue staff had been out overnight but efforts were now being "ramped up", he said.

Search teams were focusing on a large area in and around the Akatarawa Forest Park. An aerial sweep this morning failed to turn up any clues.

Mr Wright said there were a number of keen trampers, bikers and four wheel drive enthusiasts in the area yesterday, and someone might have seen the missing man.

He is described as a Caucasian of average height and solid build, dressed in black clothing, riding a green Kawasaki KLX 400R motorbike.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police.

- NZPA