Police taskforce set up to find Auckland-based UK woman missing in Fiji

Lydia O'Sullivan, 23, is believed to be missing in Fiji after travelling there eight days ago from Auckland.

Fiji police have set up a taskforce to investigate the disappearance of Auckland-based UK woman Lydia O'Sullivan, who has been missing in the Pacific Island nation for eight days.

O'Sullivan, 23, from Whitehaven, Cumbria, has not been in contact with her family since arriving in Fiji on the flight from Auckland on February 26.

Cumbria Police said O'Sullivan had been living in Auckland, and had been travelling in various countries for the past two years.

"Cumbria Constabulary is liaising with Lydia's family and agencies including the police in Fiji but would ask anyone with any knowledge of her whereabouts to contact police immediately." Fiji Police today said O'Sullivan's last known location was in a hotel in Fiji's Western Division, on the main island of Viti Levu.

"She already checked out, and as of today no missing person's report has been lodged at any police station around Fiji."

O'Sullivan usually messages family daily but has not been heard from since February 28.

She is described as about 1.5m tall, of small build, with blue eyes and long brown hair.

O'Sullivan's sister Franciene Nicholson appealed on Facebook yesterday for help from anyone with contacts on the Pacific Island nation.

"Please could everyone share my post. My sister Lydia has not been in touch with home for 7 days now which is out of character, she's normally in contact every day," Nicholson said.

"She was last in contact on Feb 26 when she landed in Fiji . Please, please share with any friends across the seas."

Lydia O'Sullivan had been travelling around the world for the past two years. Photo / Facebook

Nicholson says her sister was staying at the Bamboo Travellers hostel in Nadi. .

She had been teaching English while travelling to various countries, Nicholson said.

"She messaged to say she had landed safely but has not been heard of since," Nicholson wrote.

"Lydia normally contacts my mother daily. We are becoming increasingly worried as a family."

Lydia O'Sullivan was living in Auckland before travelling to Fiji on February 26. Photo / Facebook

New Zealand police said they have given relevant information to Fiji police to help support their inquiries. Fiji police have been contacted for comment.