Mitchell Cole. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
A person who knows 29-year-old Mitchell Cole says he has the skills to survive in the bush.
Sheep farmer husband and wife Brendon and Trina Cole were found dead at their Ruatiti property on Saturday.
Police had been searching the surrounding bush area for their son, Mitchell Cole, since then.
The friend, who wanted to remain anonymous, said Cole was an "exceptional bushman."
"He's more comfortable there than at home."
They said there were multiple cabins where local hunters stored food and supplies in the Ruatiti bush.
Police said officers are continuing to search for Cole in the Ruatiti bush on Monday and believe he has a black/blue bull mastiff dog with him.
Two popular walking tracks at Whanganui National Park have reopened after police were searching in the area.
Mountains to Sea Ngā Ara Tūhono trail manager Lynley Twyman said police had now left the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka Tracks.
"My understanding is they have completed their operations to date, and they're very happy for it to reopen for normal resumption for walkers, bikers, and hunters to enjoy," Twyman said.
The tracks were also part of the Tour Aotearoa route and the Te Araroa trail.
Twyman said police were searching in the bush well off the tracks' path.
"The areas the cycle and walking trails are on are well-maintained and very open and well used. These sections well off the trail are very dense bush, most frequented by local hunters who know the area."
She said they did not have any concerns about safety.
"The most likely thing to happen is trees falling down or those sorts of things. In that case, they can get a hold of trail managers, and we'll sort it out."
Police are asking anyone heading into the bush there to be on the lookout, report any sightings of Mitchell Cole and not approach him.
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