The body of an 80-year-old man was recovered from the Albert Town Recreation Reserve around midnight last night (Thursday February 4) 

The man left at 1pm to walk the Hāwea River track. His car remained at the Albert Town end of the track and by 9pm a search was launched, based at the Albert Town campground.

While he was used to taking long walks he had not walked that particular track before, the Wanaka App was told.

A helicopter with a spotlight flew over the Hāwea and Clutha Rivers during the evening.

A police spokesperson told the Wanaka App the death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the Coroner. 

PHOTO: Wanaka App