An aerial search today of the Kahurangi Ranges has shown no sign of a tramper who has been missing for more than a week.
Palmerston North man Alistair Levy, 54, was last heard from last Sunday after reaching the summit of Mt Owen, in the park's southern section.
A break in the weather about midday allowed the Nelson Marlborough helicopter to scan the steep, rocky Castle Basin and Poverty Basin, but there was no sign of the missing tramper.
It was the last option for searchers looking for him.
Senior Sergeant Steve Savage said fears for Mr Levy's welfare were very high.
"Obviously as time goes on and the search continues to be delayed a happy outcome is becoming less and less likely.''
The search was likely to be postponed now if they received no new information on where Mr Levy could be, Mr Savage said.