A British man has been missing for four days after he climbed a mountain solo in New Zealand.
Eli Sweeting, 25, who’s originally from Bristol but now lives in New Zealand, has not returned from his trip to Mitre Peak, on the south island of the country.
His family has now flown out and a GoFundMe page has been launched to help in the search.
Family friend Samantha Eastwell, 31, told MailOnline: ‘We are all just trying to stay positive, they keep seeing a light so they don’t know whether he is alive but when they keep having to call off the search because of the weather.
‘He’s a very outdoorsy guy and has been in New Zealand for a while. He was dressed for the conditions but [his sister] Serena told me Eli had only packed for one night.
‘The whole family is very, very worried for him and are flying out there now.’
Eli graduated from the University of Derby with a degree in outdoor leadership and management before he moved to New Zealand.
His family have described that he has a love for the outdoors, and has worked as a kayak guide and for a boat cruising company.
His sister, Serena Sweeting, added: ‘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.
‘Anybody who has met him will know what I mean. He has such a positive, vibrant and supportive energy.
‘We just want him home safe.’
Search and rescue volunteers, rescue helicopters and police officers have all been searching the mountain for Eli.
Detective Tracy Ward said: ‘There is also a huge amount of local support being provided by tourism operator Real NZ at Milford Sound.
‘Roughly 60 search and rescue volunteers, 10 police staff and numerous helicopter and tourism staff are working hard to find the missing man.
‘The search area is relatively contained but incredibly rugged and difficult to navigate once off the track.
‘At times, the search teams are only able to progress 250metres in an hour.
‘While no items of interest have been positively linked to the missing man, a number of clues are being followed up on, and we remain hopeful that there will be a positive outcome.
‘The man we are looking for is experienced in the outdoors, and we believe he has suitable clothing and provisions, which can make all the difference.’
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