Human remains have been found in the search for a tramper missing from the Rolleston River area.
Searchers looking for 53-year-old Marni Sheppeard found the remains on Saturday - more than four months since she was last heard from on 19 November 2020.
While the remains have not been formally identified, they are believed to be that of Sheppeard.
Her next-of-kin in Australia have been informed.
"This is obviously not the outcome we were hoping for," said Snr Sgt Mark Kirkwood.
He extended thanks to the "dedicated" search teams, and members of the public who came forward with information.
Sheppeard was an experienced mountaineer and had survived previous search and rescue operations.
In 2003 she spent eight days trapped in Arthur's Pass National Park before being rescued, and before that she was rescued from a crevasse in the Swiss Alps after injuring her ankle.
