Police search for missing German woman in Southland

A search for a 25 year-old German women is under way in the Manapouri Hope Arm area in Southland. Photo / Stephen Russell

A search is under way for a missing German woman in the Manapouri Hope Arm area in Southland.

The missing person is believed to be a 25-year-old German female known only as Tina.

Police say she was dropped by water taxi at 11am yesterday on the western banks of the Waiau River.

It is believed she intended to walk to the Hope Arm hut and return.

However, she failed to meet her arranged water taxi at 6.30pm. Police were notified two hours later.

Police and Land SAR volunteers are currently searching for the woman. A Southern Lakes Helicopter using night vision equipment and three teams on foot have been deployed.

"Police cannot discount the possibility the female has already left the area by other means and enquiries are being made at accommodation sites in the area," police said in a statement.

Tina is described as a 25-year-old female with long auburn hair and of medium build.

She was last seen wearing dark clothing and carrying a small daypack. Police do not know how she arrived in the Te Anau area or whether she was travelling alone.

Anyone who has seen Tina or assisted her back to Manapouri are urged to contact their nearest police station or the Te Anau Police Station on 03 249 7600.