New Zealand / Regional

German tramper search called off

14:11 pm on 11 March 2014

The search for a German tramper missing in the Nelson Lakes area has been called off unless new information comes forward.

Police began looking for Christian Prehn, who's 19, after a Department of Conservation worker discovered his pack beside the track in the Travers Saddle area of Nelson Lakes National Park at the end of February.

Teams of experienced searchers and a helicopter crew were forced to retreat for a few days last week when snow and gales made the area too dangerous.

Police say further searches will only be carried out if and when new information comes to light.