Belongings of missing climber found in Mt Aspiring National Park hut

Simon Bell is believed to have been climbing Mt Earnslaw.

Grave fears for climber trying to conquer 100 peaks

Police have found a sleeping bag and other items believed to belong to missing climber Simon Bell.

However, weather is hampering the search for the 33-year-old Wellington engineer, who has not been seen for three weeks since telling friends he intended to climb 2819m Mt Earnslaw in Mount Aspiring National Park.

His ex-partner reported him missing on Monday.

Acting Senior Sergeant Steve Watt, of Queenstown, said the items were found at Esquilant Bivvy Hut yesterday during a search of huts and tracks in the Mt Earnslaw area.

Police also spoke to a climber who had been conducting a guided tour of the area, and stayed at the Esquilant Bivvy Hut when Mr Bell was thought to have been there about January 14.

''The climber provided further information about Simon's possible intentions.

''It's thought that Simon intended to climb the West to East Face.''

Police flew back into the area yesterday accompanied by Department of Conservation staff and Alpine Cliff Rescue personnel to search an area known as Sir William, but did not find anything of significance, Acting Snr Sgt Watt said.

Weather conditions in the area meant police had been unable to resume the search today.

It would continue when the weather cleared, with areas of interest including the West and East Peaks, and Pluto Peak.