Murray Horsfield was out hunting in the Glenorchy area last weekend but failed to return.
He had been hunting in the tributaries of the lower Dart River catchment over the weekend but had not been heard from since Sunday afternoon, a police spokeswoman said yesterday.
An extensive search was under way, including aerial searches.
Mr Horsfield is an experienced hunter who was well-equipped for his trip, wearing camouflage clothing and carrying an olive-green pack.
Police and Murray’s family were concerned for his safety, the spokeswoman said.
Police and LandSAR volunteers spent Thursday night and yesterday searching in the area and Mr Horsfield's family and friends continue to arrive from Australia to offer assistance.
Mr Horsfield's wife Tianna said this morning: “Murray is a very capable hunter, but he has been missing since Monday and we need your help.
“If you or someone you know has seen Murray, please contact police. He is so loved, and we are searching hard to have him home safely.
“To the Aus and NZ hunting community, and our military friends that are coming over to assist with the search, I am eternally grateful.
"A big thank you to LandSAR, Police, the amazing volunteers and everyone else who has reached out to help so far.”
Southern Lakes New Zealand Deerstalkers Association secretary Sharon Salmons said Mr Horsfield was not part of the association, but several members of the group were engaged in the search in their capacity as members of search and rescue or police.
Mr Horsfield is Australian-born and experienced in the outdoors.
Ms Salmons said searchers were looking from the Routeburn to across the Rees and Dart River catchments.
"It’s tough country out there."
A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help with the search, which has raised over $24,000 within 24 hours.
The fund, created with Joshua Pickford who served with Mr Horsfield, would be used to assist a group of more than 20 close friends and family who were travelling to New Zealand. Kayaks, dogs and aircraft were being used in the search.
Mr Horsfield is a veteran of the Australian Army, a skilled mountaineer and hunter - but most importantly, a top bloke who consistently put his friends and wife before himself, the page said.
• Anyone who has seen Murray Horsfield is asked to contact police on 105, quoting event no P053644123.
