Eli Sweeting. Photo: Supplied
The sister of a missing Milford Sound tramper says search parties have spotted a light part-way down Mitre Peak.
Crews have been combing Mitre Peak for any sign of British national Eli Sweeting who has been missing since last Sunday.
The search resumed on Friday after being suspended on Thursday because of bad weather.
In a statement on a GoFundMe fundraising page his sister Serena Sweeting praised the "incredible" search effort.
"There has been a light spotted at a point along the route down the mountain and all efforts have been focused there," she wrote.
"The challenges are that the bush is so dense that it is hard for infrared to pick up any signs."
RNZ has approached the police for any more information about the light.
About 40 staff and volunteers were involved in the search, but Sweeting was hoping for more help.
"We need more people on the ground but this has to be experienced climbers who can safely belay themselves in and out of the area," she said.
"We are looking for financial support to go towards the search and rescue teams to get the people and equipment out there safely as well as seeking people who have drones who could support the teams as sometimes this type of equipment is limited."
Part of the search area on Tuesday 6 May 2025 for missing Milford Sound tramper Eli Sweeting. Photo: Southern District Police
Sweeting said her brother was an experienced climber who had hiked in that terrain many times.
"I also spend time in the mountains and know how incredible it can be up there, but how quickly things can change. It could happen to any of us," she said.
"Being in the mountains and adventure is what my brother lives for and he spends lots of time preparing for these adventures and training.
"My brother is one of the kindest, most compassionate people in my life and he has always been there for me. He inspires me to live and get out of my comfort zone, as well as listens and genuinely wants to know you and your story. Anyone who has met him will know what I mean. He has such a positive, vibrant and supportive energy."
Police said they were maintaining a "positive outlook" in their search.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
