Tramper missing in icy Mt Aspiring

Mt Aspiring National Park.

Police searchers say a German tramper missing in the Mt Aspiring National Park near Queenstown in Central Otago, will be battling snow, ice and very cold conditions.

Julian Stukenborg, 23, has not been heard from for nine days and searchers have been out since first light today combing tracks by land and air.

He was tramping alone on the Cascade Saddle near the Mt Aspiring National Park but failed to contact a friend last Wednesday as planned.

Constable Emma Fleming from the Wanaka police said 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.

The last contact was in a Mt Aspiring Hut on June 16.

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

"We are not aware of what he was carrying."

She said conditions had not been good since his last contact nine days ago.

"The ground has been frozen, there is snow and it is deep in places. It is cold, it is icy, it is slippery in parts but in other places you can travel across it."

She said being in the area would test even an experienced tramper.

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

She said 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.

"Be honest about what your skills are and be prepared. There are extra hazards around at this time of the year," she said.

A helicopter had flown the length of the Routeburn Track and 14 people were searching.

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