Brit missing in New Zealand after mountain hike

Eli Sweeting failed to return from a solo hike on Sunday

A search operation is under way for a British traveller who has gone missing in New Zealand.

Eli Sweeting, who is 25 and originally from Bristol, failed to return on Sunday after a solo hike up Mitre Peak, a steep mountain in the Milford Sound area of Fiordland National Park, on the country's South Island.

Since the experienced climber was reported missing that evening, police, search and rescue teams, local travel companies and residents have been working to find him.

His sister, Serena Sweeting, said: "Being in the mountains and adventure is what my brother lives for and he spends lots of time preparing for these adventures and training."

The search party has focused on a route heading down the mountain after spotting a light there, but the dense area makes it hard for infrared cameras to detect any signs of movement.

The operation was halted on Wednesday and Thursday due to weather warnings, but resumed on Friday.

More than £7,000 has been raised to help bolster the search effort with additional people and equipment.

Mr Sweeting's family is also flying out from the UK to join the search party.

Mitre Peak has rugged and steep terrain

In a statement, Ms Sweeting, who lives in Bristol, said: "My brother is an experienced climber and has hiked in this terrain many times.

"I also spend time in the mountains and know how incredible it can be up there, but how quickly things can change. It could happen to any of us."

She added her brother is "one of the kindest, most compassionate people" who inspires her to get out of her comfort zone.

"He has such a positive, vibrant and supportive energy."

In a statement released on Tuesday, New Zealand's Southern District Police said it remained hopeful that the search will result in a positive outcome.