Graham Garnett, 66, intended to return on December 30. Photo: Supplied / NZ PoliceSections of Kahurangi National Park in the upper South Island will be closed while rescue teams use radar technology to search for a tramper who has gone missing in the area. Graham Garnett, 66, was expected to return from a tramp in the Baton/Ellis River area on December 30, but has not. Sergeant Jonny Evans said police would be using a radar tomorrow, and has asked the public to steer clear of the search areas. Further south, police are also still looking for 20-year-old Connor Purvis, who has not been seen since he went to climb Mt Huxley on Tuesday last week.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 05, 2026 09:25 UTC