Search efforts are continuing for a former alpine climber missing in the mountain ranges near Greymouth, on the South Island's West Coast

75-year-old Roy Arbon is overdue from a walk up Mt. Davy to Mt. Sewell on Wednesday. His friend told our newsroom he'd gone up for a day walk but didn't return.

Arbon is well-known for his life as an Antarctic worker and Erebus recovery team member.

He also responded i the aftermath of the Cave Creek disaster.

Although he's an experience hiker - police hold concerns for his wellbeing given the length of time he's been overdue as well as the cold temperatures.