Police efforts continue in search for Simon Bell

Missing tramper Simon Bell. Photo / Supplied

As search efforts continue, police are piecing together the last known whereabouts of missing climber Simon Bell.

Mr Bell, 33, from Wanaka, was last seen on January 13, after he told friends he was planning to climb Mt Earnslaw, a 2837m high mountain near the Otago-West Coast border.

He was reported missing by his former partner on Monday.

Yesterday police searched huts and tracks in the Mt Earnslaw area.

At Esquilant Bivvy Hut they located a sleeping bag and other personal items they believe belonged to Mr Bell.

Police said they also spoke to a fellow climber who had been conducting a guided tour of the area.

The climber was believed to have stayed at the Esquilant Bivvy Hut around the same time as Mr Bell.

He told police it was possible Mr Bell had intended to climb the West to East Face of the mountain.

Police, Department of Conservation staff, and Alpine Cliff Rescue also searched an area of the mountain known as Sir William yesterday afternoon, but did not find anything of significance.

Bad weather meant today's search efforts would have to be postponed until weather cleared, police said.

Police said they were keen to hear from anyone who may have information that might assist with the search.

Police said they were also keen to talk to anyone who may have seen Mr Bell in the area since January 13.

Mr Bell was described as 190cm tall with a light build and wears glasses.

Anyone with information could contact Queenstown Police on 03 441 1600.