Andrew Wyatt, 41, from Cornwall, was last seen on December 15 in the Nelson Lakes National Park embarking on what was supposed to be a one-day hike to pick up supplies, with police saying they now had "serious concerns for his welfare".
Bad weather has so far hampered search efforts in the remote area but police said that a Royal New Zealand Air Force helicopter was able to fly in specialised alpine rescue volunteers today morning.
Wyatt arrived in New Zealand in November and was walking the 3,000-kilometre Te Araroa Trail, which runs along the entire length of the country, when he went missing.
