Search for missing tramper at South Island’s Kahurangi National Park continues

Graham Garnett went tramping in the Baton/Ellis River area of the Kahurangi National Park before going missing. Photo / Police

Police have expanded the search for a tramper who went missing in a South Island national park more than a week ago.

Graham Garnett, 66, went tramping in the Baton/Ellis River area of Kahurangi National Park at the end of last year.

“He was expected to return on December 30 but did not,” Police Search and Rescue Sergeant Johnny Evans said.

Evans said five helicopters were used in today’s police search, including an Airforce NH90.

Two specialist canyon teams searched the “steep” terrain with special equipment, while a field team looked across the search area.

There is still no sign of Garnett and the search will continue tomorrow, he said.

“We are keen to hear from anyone we haven’t spoken with yet who was in the Baton/Ellis River area from the afternoon of December 26, particularly anyone who was around Flanagan’s Hut.”

Any sightings or information can be reported at 105.police.govt.nz and clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Police ask people to use the reference number P064981672.

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