Search efforts are continuing this weekend for a Queenstown woman now missing for a fortnight.

Erika Rodrigues Coelho, 47, has not been seen since Friday, September 18.

Police were made aware of the Brazilian national’s disappearance on September 20, and a search began with the help of Land Search and Rescue volunteers, Coastguard Queenstown, drones and a helicopter.

Her rental vehicle, a white Toyota RAV4 with a black roof, registration RKM122, was found at Skippers Saddle. It is a lookout and trailhead, near the intersection of Coronet Peak Rd and Skippers Rd, about 15 minutes drive from Queenstown.

In an update, police said there were several searches carried out on Saturday, including the use of an article search dog, and further teams would continue looking for her on Sunday.

“Police thank all those involved in the search so far, and to all those volunteers who have given up their time and shared their specialist skills and knowledge to search for Erika.”

Man in Mount Dewar area sought

Last week, Sergeant Terry Wood, of Queenstown, asked for the public’s help to identify a man seen on the summit track in the Mount Dewar area, about 12.30pm on September 18, the day Erika disappeared.

He was described as of “Asian complexion, in his 30s, average-to-taller in height”.

Wood said the man, who may be a tourist, was of slim build with short, dark hair and was clean-shaven.

“We would like to speak with him regarding our ongoing investigation for missing 47-year-old Erika Rodrigues Coelho near Queenstown.”

Despite exhaustive efforts, the extensive search, which includes using a drone in a mountain pond near where her car was found, has failed to find the missing woman.

Last week, Otago Lakes Central Area prevention manager, Senior Sergeant John Fookes, appealed for members of the public who had seen Erika since September 18, or her white Toyota RAV4 that day, or the days leading up to it, to come forward, noting “even the smallest amount of information can make a huge difference”.

Any sightings of Erika should be reported via 111, otherwise people can contact police via 105, online (select ‘Update Report’), or by phone - the reference number’s 260921/8173 - or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers, 0800 555 111.

- Additional reporting Allied Media