Missing Tasman trampers: Search suspended due to bad weather

The search for two Tasman trampers missing for over a fortnight has been impacted again by bad weather.

Jessica O'Connor and Dion Reynolds, both 23, set off into the Kahurangi National Park on May 9.

After they failed to return, police launched a search and rescue operation with support from FENZ, LandSAR, USAR, NZDF, Mt Cook Alpine Cliff Rescue, and volunteers, but it has so far been unsuccessful.

Now, land and air searches have been suspended due to "unfavourable conditions" overnight and on Monday. There was up to 100ml of rain forecast.

Police say it isn't safe to continue to search currently, but planning is underway to determine the best action when conditions improve.

It is believed the trampers entered the park through the Anatori River car park and Police are asking anyone who has been around the Anatori, Webb, Kokopu, Independent and Fraser rivers since May 8 to get in touch.

Anyone with information should contact 105 and quote event number P042228949.

On Sunday the rescue efforts were also impacted by bad weather.

Related News

Bad weather hampers search for two missing young Tasman trampers

Man's body found down cliff at Cape Farewell

After an aerial shoreline search from the Kahurangi Lighthouse to Farewell Spit didn't locate anything, the search efforts were suspended in some areas due to the oncoming rain.

So far the NZ Air Force has searched the Wakamarama Range area by helicopter, looking for signs of fire or torches, but the area is densely covered in native bush.

They have also searched inland from the Anatori River mouth, had on-foot teams searching the nearby hills and Webb River, and winched teams into the headwaters in the Fosters Lookout area.

In the last few days, they have also scoured around Cape Farewell where a body not related to the trampers was found, Farewell Spit, and into the Heaphy Track area.