Hostile weather in the Nelson Lakes National Park could stop the search for a German teenager missing there.
Police say Christian Ulf Erik Prehn, 19, is believed to be in the Travers Saddle area.
Search teams scouring the area where Mr Prehn's backpack was located have so far failed to find him.
Nelson Bays search and rescue senior constable Dave Colville says the search may not go ahead on Monday.
Mr Colville says it is snowing in the area, and the wind chill is about minus 15 degrees celcius.
They say they hope to return to the area when the weather improves in the next couple of days.
Police also want to speak to a woman named Angela Bähr, who is believed to have spoken with Mr Prehn at one of the huts in the park.
Mr Prehn has been in New Zealand since October on a one year tourist visa and police have been in contact with his parents in Germany.
A helicopter and rescue dog are also being used in the search.
