The search continues in Queenstown for a 47-year-old Brazilian woman, who has not been seen or heard from since Friday, 18 September.
Erika Rodrigues Coelho’s rental car was found at Skippers Saddle, near Coronet Peak, on Monday.
Police say search and rescue volunteers have carried out an extensive search of the surrounding area, with support from coastguard, drones and a helicopter.
Senior Sergeant John Fookes said the car – a white Toyota RAV4, with a black roof and registration RKM122 – was apparently parked at Skippers Saddle sometime during the afternoon or evening last Friday.
“Land Search and Rescue volunteers have spent hundreds of hours searching the Shotover, Devil’s Creek and other nearby catchments, as well as points of interest and routes that could have been taken by Erika from where the vehicle was left,” he said.
“Coastguard Queenstown’s underwater drone has been used by one of their volunteers to search a mountain tarn [pond] near Skippers Saddle.”
Police are asking the public to report any sightings of Erika since 18 September via 105 – or any information that could help find her.
Any sightings of Erika should be reported via 111, police said.
“We want to stress that even the smallest amount of information can make a huge difference to our investigation and finding Erika,” a police spokesperson said.
“Police would like to acknowledge the efforts of the volunteers who, in some cases, have forgone employment opportunities and other significant commitments. They have also been involved in other search and rescue operations during this period.”