Police still optimistic missing UK tourist is alive

Police are still optimistic of finding missing British tourist Elizabeth Thomson alive despite five days of fruitless searching in Arthur's Pass National Park for five days.

Ms Thomson, 55, of Kent, failed to return to the Arthur's Pass Youth Hostel after a day tramp on Saturday.

Her backpack was found, with empty sandwich bags, a water bottle and car keys, at the edge of bush on Mount Aicken at an altitude of 1700m the following day.

Canterbury police search and rescue co-ordinator Sergeant Tony Tully said more than 30 people -- police and civilian -- were continuing their search today.

"We're just completing some of the search area that we didn't complete yesterday."

An Iroquois helicopter would also be searching from the air, Mr Tully said.

Weather conditions today were good and the teams expected to be searching all day.

Two teams from Wanaka were joining the rescue teams today and would replace teams who had been searching for Ms Thomson since Sunday.

Mr Tully said they were working on the theory Ms Thomson was still alive.

"Of course we do bear in mind there is a possibility she is deceased, but we're focusing very much on whether she is injured and has managed to find shelter.

"If she has managed to find shelter, we are optimistic she is still alive."

However, Mr Tully said apart from Ms Thomson's backpack, they had not found any other sign of her during their search efforts.

"It's a little bit frustrating," he said.

Meanwhile, Ms Thomson's family arrives in New Zealand today and will be taken to Arthur's Pass by police.

Sergeant Peter Summerfield said that they would be given an overview of the search plan and area.

"There will be an opportunity for a flight so they can get an aerial view to understand the scale of the countryside and the scope of the search," he said.

- NZPA