Darren Myers, a 49-year-old tramper, has been missing in the Tararua Ranges for ten days. Police believe he may still be alive if his equipment has stood up to the conditions.
Searchers in the Tararua Ranges looking for missing tramper Darren Myers. Photo: Supplied / New Zealand Police
"If Darren Myers has been able to make good decisions and his equipment has stood up to the conditions then police believe there may be a chance he is alive," Police search and rescue co-ordinator Sergeant Anthony Harmer said.
"We are also realistic that as time passes this chance diminishes."
Mr Myers, from the Wellington suburb of Karori, failed to return from the Northern Crossing in the mountain range north of Wellington, on Saturday 1 June.
Yesterday, police said revealed two clues had been discovered in the search for Mr Myers - a chocolate bar wrapper was found wedged in rocks in the headwaters of Arete Stream, where he was last known to have been, and a series of bootprints in the mud.
Weather conditions today have hampered the progress of ground search teams that are in the Tararua Ranges.
A blanket of cloud has also restricted an aerial search.
Police are in contact with health professionals who are assessing the likelihood Mr Myers could survive as time passes.
"We will continue to use their expertise to assist our decision making going forward."