Expert searches for missing father, daughter for second time

The man hired to investigate the disappearance of Alan Langdon and his six-year-old daughter has revealed to Newshub, he's had to find them once before.

It's been more than two weeks since the pair were last seen leaving Kawhia Harbour in a six metre catamaran.

The pair left Kawhia Harbour on December 17 but weren't reported missing until Boxing Day.

Police say it's been a costly exercise scouring coastline with an air force Orion looking for Alan Langdon's catamaran and checking on sightings of the pair.

Alan Langdon on his missing catamaran (Supplied)
Alan Langdon on his missing catamaran (Supplied)

Now child recovery expert Col Chapman says the New Zealand Police should enlist the help of Australian authorities.

"I would estimate the search has cost you guys somewhere in the vicinity of $80,000-120,000," he told Newshub.

Col Chapman, is an expert in child recovery and was hired by Que's mother Ariane Wyler.

Ariane Wyler, Alan Langdom and their daughter Que (Supplied)
Ariane Wyler, Alan Langdom and their daughter Que (Supplied)

Ms Wyler and Mr Langdon have been estranged since 2015 and have fought over the custody of their daughter.

"This length of time for a little six-year-old girl, it's unusual," he said.

Chapman says he has tracked down 49-year-old Alan Langdon before - when he took Que to Australia for six months without Ms Wyler's permission.

"From everything we observed and heard he's a loving caring father.

"He prefers his own company... he has a bit of a mistrust for society, bureaucracies and governments."

If he is on his way to Australia with Que, this time everyone will be relieved.

Newshub.