Search for missing tramper to resume

Mt Aspiring National Park.

The search for a German tramper missing for 10 days in Mt Aspiring National Park near Queenstown is set to resume at first light this morning.

Julian Stukenborg, 23, went tramping alone on the Cascade Saddle near the Mt Aspiring National Park and failed to contact a friend last Wednesday as planned.

Constable Emma Fleming, of Wanaka police, said yesterday conditions had been cold and icy but police did not yet know if Mr Stukenborg was an experienced tramper or what gear, including food, he carried.

In an entry in a Mt Aspiring hut log book on June 16, Mr Stukenborg said he intended to go tramping over the Cascade Saddle, into the Dart Valley and then on to the Routeburn Track to finish in Te Anau.

"It is cold and wet and icy out there so it is about whether there is an assessment of those (conditions) and his abilities," Ms Fleming said.

The area would test even an experienced tramper, she said.

"You need to be prepared for it and need to have the skills to handle it."

Police did not know if Mr Stukenborg took advice from locals but may have done some research before setting out.

She urged anyone thinking of going tramping at this time of year to "know the environment and what its current condition is".

"Do your research and talk to the Department of Conservation officers. They are great."

Yesterday, a helicopter flew the length of the Routeburn Track and 14 people joined the search.

Mr Stukenborg is about 193cm tall, with an athletic build. He had a large black and green Deutor back pack, a green Kathmandu two-person tent and is a keen photographer.

- NZPA