Police have suspended their search for an elderly possum hunter missing for a week.
Allan Hill, 83 from Loburn, went hunting in dense bush in the Ashley Gorge in North Canterbury on 6 July.
Police say Mr Hill was a very experienced hunter but was not prepared for an overnight stay.
They say search and rescue, and medical experts, have decided there is no chance Mr Hill will be found alive after a week of wintry weather.
Inspector Dave Lawry says search dogs will return to the area in the next few weeks, but the active search has come to a close.
Mr Lawry says the Coroner has been notified.
