20 Oct 2016

Missing Australian tourist found

6:42 am on 20 October 2016

An Australian tourist missing in bush near Queenstown since Tuesday has been found.

Missing tourist Robert Galdamez

Robert Galdamez Photo: Supplied

Robert Galdamez had last been seen on the Ben Lomond walking track at 3pm on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old sent a message to a friend on his tablet three hours later, saying he was lost.

More than 20 police officers and volunteers yesterday scoured the area around the Ben Lomond walking track. A night-vision-equipped rescue helicopter and search dogs were also used.

He was found by trained search and rescue dogs near the summit of Ben Lomond, shortly after midnight.

Police say Mr Galdamez was in a moderate condition with potential hypothermia and has been taken to Lakes District Hospital.