KEY POINTS:
An Ashburton man overdue from a hunting trip in Mid-Canterbury will spend a fourth night in the outdoors tonight, after extensive aerial and ground searches today failed to find him.
Corey James Foster, 24, of Ashburton, is said to be well equipped and an experienced tramper.
Mr Foster went hunting on Sunday and was due back that evening.
He arranged with his fiancee, who stayed at the Avoca Hut in the Avoca Valley, near Lake Coleridge, to call for help if he had not returned by noon on Monday.
Today 23 searchers and two police dogs went into the valley on foot at first light.
The ground searchers were assisted by the New Zealand Defence Force, using Iroquois helicopters.
Police search co-ordinator Sergeant Peter Summerfield said the searchers were battling strong westerly winds with a high chill factor.
Mr Foster is known to be carrying good quality gear, including a waterproof jacket, polyprops and a survival blanket.
His parents and fiancee are waiting at a nearby farm for news.
The search will continue at first light tomorrow.
- NZPA
