Poor weather hampers search

The search for missing Wellington climber Simon Bell on Mt Earnslaw remains on hold because of poor weather.

Acting Senior Sergeant Steve Watt, of Queenstown, said low cloud and poor visibility meant searchers had been unable to fly into the area yesterday.

The 33-year-old, who was on a mission to be the first to climb the 100 ''great peaks'' of New Zealand, was last seen about January 14 at Esquilant Bivvy Hut on the mountain.

The weather is not expected to clear until Saturday.

Acting Snr Sgt Watt said police were continuing to speak to climbers who were in the Mt Earnslaw area in mid-January, and were gaining a clearer picture of Mr Bell's intentions and a ''more definitive timeline of his movements''.

''When weather allows, police plan to concentrate the search on the West to East Peak Traverse and Pluto Peak, an area other climbers have indicated that Simon intended to climb in.''

The thoughts of the police went out to Mr Bell's family.

''They have been extremely resilient in this tough time, which has been particularly frustrating, with the weather hindering any search opportunities.''

The Wellington engineer is understood to have taken leave from his job for the summer and relocated to Wanaka to pursue his ambition.

His ex-partner reported him missing on Monday.

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