Missing tramper's identity confirmed

Police have confirmed that the person who is missing in the Nelson Lakes National Park is German man Christian Ulf Erik PREHN, aged 19.

Mr PREHN arrived in New Zealand in October 2013 on a one year tourist visa. Police have been in contact with his parents in Germany.

Today three ground search teams, including a search and rescue dog, are scouring the Travers Saddle area where Mr PREHN's backpack was located.

A helicopter is also flying over the area looking for signs of him.

Search Coordinator Senior Constable Dave Colville said Police had identified a tramper who shared a hut with Mr PREHN and would be speaking with him today to try and establish what the missing man's intentions were.

The weather in the area today is good, although heavy rain is expected tonight. Snow fell in the area on Friday.

Police would like to hear from anyone who has been in contact with Mr PREHN or anyone who has been tramping in the Travers Saddle area in the last week.

nyone with information that may assist this search should call Nelson Police, Ph 03 546 3840.

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