Police and volunteers searched a Nelson cemetery without success on Thursday for a woman who disappeared on Saturday afternoon.
Ann Sheridan, 48, was reported missing on Monday.
Senior Sergeant Grant Andrews says police are still hopeful of finding Miss Sheridan but have grave concerns for her welfare.
Police searched her house on Wednesday and discovered her car and wallet. Her bank account also remains untouched.
Inspector Ian MacKenzie says about a dozen police and 32 volunteers searched Wakapuaka Cemetery after receiving information from family and friends.
Mr MacKenzie says police flew in a specialist search dog for the hunt, which included areas around Miyazu Park and Whakatu Marae.
The search will continue on Friday in the Grampians and Maitai River areas, which were also indicated by friends as areas of significance to Miss Sheridan.
Police are still appealing to the public for sightings of Miss Sheridan from Saturday.
