Helicopters and drones used in large-scale Mt Huxley search for missing tramper

Drones, helicopters and land search and rescue teams are intensifying a “significant search” for a young tramper missing for almost a week.

Connor Purvis, 20, intended to climb Mt Huxley in the Southern Alps about December 30, then descend via the Huxley River South Branch.

However, he failed to return as expected, prompting what Senior Sergeant Blair Dalton described as a “significant search effort”.

Dalton said specialist search resources working today include Wānaka Canyon and drone units, the Dunedin Cliff Rescue group, and several Land Search and Rescue crews.

“Yesterday’s searches were focused in the upper South Temple Valley, Mt Huxley and the Huxley River South Branch, both on foot and via helicopter,” he said.

“A continued effort again today will focus on Mt Huxley, the Huxley River South Branch and upper Ahuriri River.

“Helicopter support for searching and logistics continues to be provided by Heli Ventures out of Ōamaru and Helicopter Line from Mt Cook.”

Dalton thanked everyone who has been involved in the nearly week-long search.

“Police want to thank the Ōmārama and wider Mackenzie community, along with the Ōmārama volunteer fire brigade for their outstanding support of the search effort.

“We are also grateful for the efforts of the Ōamaru, Ōmārama, Twizel and Dunedin Land Search and Rescue groups, who are working in difficult and rugged terrain.”

A large-scale search over a large area is ongoing for a missing tramper in the Mt Huxley region of the Southern Alps. Image / Google Maps

Otago Coastal Search and Rescue co-ordinator Sergeant Matt Sheat earlier said search teams have not found any sign of Purvis in huts and campsites in the area.

“We ask anyone who has climbed Mt Huxley or has been tramping or hunting in the Huxley River South Branch between December 28 and January 2 to make contact with police if they haven’t already,” Sheat said.

“We also want to hear from anyone who may have seen or spoken to Connor in the South Temple, Ahuriri or Huxley valleys in that same timeframe.”

Purvis has red hair and a handlebar moustache, Sheat said.

A large search is underway for Connor Purvis, a tramper missing near Lake Ōhau. Photo / NZ Police

“We urge anyone with information to get in touch with us as soon as possible,” Sheat said.

“It’s a large-scale search over a large area, and the smallest piece of information could make all the difference.”

Information can be provided at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260102/2266.