A search and rescue operation has been launched for tramper missing in Marlborough.
Police said Edward Raniera Sims, 69, from Picton, went missing after becoming separated from friends while walking the Te Araroa Trail, a continuous 3000km walking track from Cape Reinga to Bluff.
Mr Sims, also known as Rani, was last seen about 11.30am on Monday when he had lunch on Rocks Ridge with two other people. The group was intending to reach Browning Hut by the end of the day, and while the two men made it, Mr Sims never arrived.
The pair went back to search for Mr Sims and were unable to locate him, police said.
Police said search teams from Marlborough and Nelson would enter the area today, in an effort to locate Mr Sims.
