The police team searching for a Polish tramper missing since Saturday say fears for his safety are growing.
A 28-year-old computer software engineer, Jacek Grzybowski, was expected to return from a day tramp in Rimutaka Forest Park near Wellington on Saturday.
His flatmates, also Polish, became increasingly worriedwhen he did not return by Saturday evening. but did not raise the alarm until Monday.
Officer in charge Inspector Mike Wright said there had been no sign of Mr Grzybowski .
"Mr Grzybowski was not equipped for more than his intended day's tramp."
"He had a good green and black Gortex jacket, boots, a black day pack and had a map but he's not familiar with the area. Our concern is that he's become lost or slipped and fallen somewhere."
CCTV footage showed Mr Grzybowski on a platform at Wellington Railway Station at 6.57am on Saturday. He is believed to have caught the 7.03am train to Waterloo and then a bus to Wainuiomata.
Mr Wright said there had been a confirmed sighting of a man, matching Mr Grzybowski's description, asking for directions in Sunny Grove, Wainuiomata, about 9am Saturday.
"He spoke to a couple of householders asking where he could find the entrance to the track. One of the access points for the Whakanui Track is off Sunny Grove so we believe he headed out onto that track."
Seven search teams, totalling 27 people, and the Westpac Rescue helicopter have been combing sections of the Rimutaka Forest Park.
Three teams will remain in the bush overnight.
"Lots of people use the tracks, especially over a long weekend. We need to hear from people who saw Jacek or perhaps spoke with him to find out just where he went."
Police have spoken to the Polish Ambassador in Wellington to liaise with his family.
"Jacek is fit and healthy but he wasn't planning on being in the bush for so long. It's been cold and wet so conditions would not be comfortable for him."
Mr Grzybowski was described as 180cm tall, with brown/blond hair and of medium build.
He arrived in Wellington in February on a working holiday and has spent most weekends exploring bush and coastal tracks in the Wellington region.
