Police in Nelson says they have found a man's body in the Richmond ranges believed to be that of missing tramper Sharny Abbott.
The body was found about 400 metres downstream from Hackett Junction on Tuesday.
Search and rescue teams scoured the area all day in search of Mr Abbott, 23, who was expected to return from a tramp on Sunday.
The former soldier was well-equipped and had outdoor experience.
A formal identification is yet to be carried out.
