A tramper missing near Makarora was found dead last night on what was a drama-filled New Year's Day for Upper Clutha police and search and rescue.
A 15-year-old boy was last night rescued from the Motatapu Gorge after being trapped for more than three hours underneath a waterfall, and earlier an injured woman was rescued from the Motatapu River.
A helicopter search of the Wilkin Valley, near Mt Twilight, was launched about 3pm yesterday after a 60-year-old man was reported missing by tramping companions.
Senior Sergeant Allan Grindell said details about the man were limited and police were trying to contact his next of kin, overseas.
A Wanaka LandSAR team found the man's body last night, Snr Sgt Grindell said.
Searchers said the man had been climbing during a tramp in the back-country mountain area of Mt Aspiring National Park.
"It appears he has has fallen while negotiating a new route on Mt Twilight," Snr Sgt Grindell said.
