Police try to track down dead tramper's family

Mt Aspiring National Park. Photo / supplied

Police are trying to get in touch with the overseas relatives of a tramper who was killed in a fall on New Year's Eve.

Wellington man Michael Gillard Taylor, 60, died while climbing Mt Twilight in a back-country mountain area of Mt Aspiring National Park.

He had been taking part in the Tararua Tramping Club's annual Christmas tramping trip in the Wilkin Valley.

Wanaka police search and rescue coordinator Senior Constable Mike Johnston said Mr Taylor set off on a day's solo climb of Mt Twilight but failed to return to the Top Forks hut that evening.

Tramping club members raised the alarm on mountain radio early on New Year's Day.

A search was launched about 11am and Mr Taylor's body was found by helicopter about 3.30pm.

His body was recovered from steep, rocky terrain on the northern slopes and taken to Wanaka.

Police believe Mr Taylor has no immediate relatives in New Zealand and are making inquiries overseas in an attempt to inform family members.

The death has been referred to the coroner.