Search ends for Swedish hunter Hans Christian Tornmarck in 'unforgiving' West Coast bush

  • 24/05/2017
Hans Tornmark (NZ Police / Supplied) missing hunter new zealand west coast
Hans Tornmark (NZ Police / Supplied)

The search for a Swedish hunter missing in West Coast bush has been called off without him being found.

Hans Christian Tornmarck went hunting on his own in the Karangarua Valley, near Fox Glacier, on May 12 and was expected to return on May 17.

Several days later, searchers came across what was believed to be Tornmarck's campsite with a sleeping bag and tent but there has been no sign of the 27-year-old since.

West Coast area commander, Inspector Mel Aitken, says search teams have now left the "extreme, raw and unforgiving environment" but would return if there are further leads.

"Search and rescue teams have worked tirelessly over the past week, unfortunately not reaching the outcome we all hoped for," she says.

"It is deeply disappointing that we have not been able to locate Mr Tornmarck despite the efforts."

But they're still holding out hope, asking anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have seen Mr Tornmarck to get in touch with them.

Newshub.