Specialist search teams from Wānaka are among those continuing a large-scale operation to locate missing tramper Connor Purvis, as Police intensify efforts in rugged alpine terrain near Lake Ōhau.

Police said significant search activity continued yesterday (January 5) across the upper South Temple Valley, Mount Huxley and the Huxley River South Branch, with teams searching both on foot and by helicopter. 

Further searches today are focusing on Mount Huxley, the Huxley River South Branch and the upper Ahuriri River.

Connor has not been seen or heard from since he left to climb Mount Huxley last Tuesday (December 30).

Police Senior Sergeant Blair Dalton said a number of specialist teams were involved in today’s operation, including Wānaka-based canyon and drone teams.

“Specialist search teams working today include Wānaka canyon and drone teams, the Dunedin cliff rescue team, and a number of Land Search and Rescue teams,” he said.

“Police are interested to hear from anyone who has climbed Mount Huxley in the past several weeks.”

Helicopter support for both searching and logistics is being provided by HeliVentures out of Ōamaru and The Helicopter Line from Mt Cook.

Search teams have been operating in steep, exposed and difficult terrain as they work to locate him.

Anyone with information that may assist the search is asked to contact Police on 105 and quote reference number 260102/2266.

Related: Large-scale search for missing tramper near Lake Ōhau

PHOTO: Supplied