A tramper went missing on a Richmond Ranges trail earlier this month. Photo: Bruce Hopkins
A body found in the Richmond Ranges is believed to be a tramper who went missing earlier this month, police said.
The body was found on Wednesday, police said.
Police said today while the formal identification process is not complete, they believe it is the missing tramper.
"Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this difficult time," they said in a statement.
Hiker Petr Cech from the Czech Republic had been reported missing on the Te Araroa Trail Angels Facebook page.
He left for the hike on 1 May and had enough food for eight days, according to a friend's post.
Police will conduct enquiries on behalf of the Coroner.
The NZ Mountain Safety Council said the death of the tramper was a tragic reminder of the need to take safety precautions in the outdoors.
It said in a statement the Richmond Ranges are a remote and challenging tramping environment, considered by many to be the toughest part of the trail.
Between 2011 and 2019 there were 21 people who were the subject of search and rescue missions along the section of the track from St Arnaud to Hackett Hut.
