KEY POINTS:
The search for tramper Irina Yun, missing in Wanaka's Mt Aspiring National Park since New Year's Eve, has been suspended to ensure the safety of searchers.
Ms Yun, 36, left Mt Aspiring Hut at 7am on Wednesday to cross the Cascade Saddle and was last seen at 9.30am halfway between the bush line and a spot near the saddle.
She did not arrive at Dart Hut as planned.
Searchers put in a full day's work on Thursday but were kept back at base yesterday as a stormy weather system moved over the region.
With a clearance forecast for this morning search teams went in at first light, but were restricted to waiting at the base of the eastern side of the Cascade Saddle as cloud and rain "socked in" the western side.
A helicopter search team equipped with night vision equipment was also forced back due to poor visibility at 4am.
Search and Rescue coordinator Sergeant Aaron Nicholson decided to suspend the search late morning but said the weather would be monitored hourly and if a window of opportunity arose, searchers would return to the area.
"The high water levels, steep terrain, very dangerous wet and snow-covered tussock grass mean that safety of our volunteers remain a prominent consideration," he said.
"Unfortunately the long-term forecast suggests very unsettled weather all week."
Ms Yun was believed to have had little experience of alpine tramping and been only lightly equipped.
Grave fears are now held for her safety.
Wanaka mountain guide Gary Dickson said Ms Yun would be "incredibly lucky" to survive the bad weather.
"Quite honestly, she has been through a fair bit of weather, so she would be incredibly lucky to get through all of that, but we do not give up hope and will do our best," he told The Press.
Ms Yun has a four-year-old daughter.
She is of Uzbeki descent, of medium build with long black hair and was wearing a yellow parka, green trousers and carrying a walking pole.
- NZPA
