Police have today (12 May) halted their search for tramper Eli Sweeting, missing in Milford Sound since Sunday 4th May.

Sweeting failed to return after a planned solo day trip to climb Mitre Peak on Sunday (4 May), triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation.

Acting Southern District Commander Inspector Matt Scoles said he knew the decision to pause the search would be difficult for the tramper's family to hear.

Scoles said it had been an incredibly distressing time for the family and Police had been supporting them and remain in frequent contact.

In the last six days Police have carried out extensive searches in an extremely dangerous and challenging terrain, Scoles said.

We have focussed on searching the route used by climbers as well as an aerial search of the entire area using two helicopters and thermal imagery, he said.

A drone had also been used.

Groups brought in to assist in the search had included Land Search and Rescue groups from Southland and Otago, The Wakatipu Alpine Cliff Rescue Team support by a member of the Mount Cook Alpine Rescue team, Two search and rescue dogs, Southern Lakes Helicopters, Heliworks Queenstown, Real NZ, The Dunedin Cliff Rescue team and a Dunedin Surf Lifesaving team.

As well as these groups many individuals and organisations in Milford Sound had contributed hugely in supporting the searchers, Scoles said.

Scoles said that while the search had now been paused, they would be reviewing their efforts and looking to see if there was anything further we can do.