Eli Sweeting disappeared while climbing in New ZealandNews
Shannon Brown Reporter
12:05, 09 May 2025
Eli Sweeting is missing in New Zealand(Image: Supplied/ NZHerald)
The Bristol family of a man missing in New Zealand say they are “incredibly worried” for him.
Eli Sweeting went missing last weekend while climbing Mitre Peak on the south island and, while local search and rescue efforts are ongoing, there has so far been no sign of Eli.
On Sunday, May 4, Eli went on a solo hike up the mountain, which rises to 1,683m tall.
He did not return after the planned day trip, New Zealand’s South District Police said in a statement, and search parties began to look for Eli shortly before midnight.
Searches continues throughout Monday and Tuesday, including helicopter searches, and more are expected to result today, Friday, May 9.
Eli’s family have flown out to New Zealand and a fundraiser has been launched to help find him.
A statement from his sister Serena Sweeting says: “Eli Sweeting has been missing since Sunday, May 4, after failing to return home from a hike up Mitre Peak in New Zealand.
“There has currently been an incredible effort made by the New Zealand Police, Search and rescue, alpine search and rescue, the real New Zealand and from Milford Sound locals.”
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She said: “There has been a light spotted at a point along the route down the mountain and all efforts have been focused there. Searches have had to be halted over Wednesday and Thursday due to weather warnings.
“The challenges are that the Bush is so dense that it is hard for infrared to pick up any signs. Searches are due to continue from Friday 9.”
Serena says Eli is an experienced climber and has frequently been hiking in the area around Mitre Peak.
“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.
“All Eli’s family are currently in Milford Sound trying to aid in the search. We are based in England. We just want him home safe. It doesn’t need to be a big donation, every little helps, even sharing this page. If you can help it would mean the world to us all.”
You can donate to Eli’s fundraiser here. At the time of writing, it has raised over £8,108.