Search for missing hunter in Nelson Lakes

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A search has begun for an 84-year-old hunter reported missing in the Lake Rotoroa area in the Nelson Lakes National Park.

The Feilding man was with five other hunters who entered the area on Monday morning.

The group planned to hunt until 5pm Monday and then meet at a designated point, but the man failed to arrive.

Today a tracking dog has been deployed and a helicopter is flying over the area.

Three land search and rescue teams are heading into the area.

Search coordinator Sergeant John Maxwell said the man was an experienced hunter who was very fit and well prepared to survive a night in the bush.

However, he was not familiar with the area.