Defence Force searching for tramper missing in Tararua Ranges

An NZDF helicopter
An NZDF helicopter Photo credit: New Zealand Defence Force

The New Zealand Defence Force has joined the search for a man who failed to return from a tramping trip in the Tararua Ranges.

The 60-year-old hiker had departed for a four day trip on Thursday, and was supposed to return on Sunday. He has not been heard from.

An NZDF helicopter has embarked on a search and rescue operation above the mountains on Wednesday, following a request from the New Zealand Police.

"The ground search continues today" said Senior Constable Pete Cunningham, Incident Controller from NZ Police.

Search teams have been trying to locate the man since Tuesday morning, checking tracks and huts for any sign of him.

Newshub.