A massive 12-day search and rescue operation ended in the Tararua ranges on Wednesday with the discovery of a tramper's body.
Forty-nine-year-old Darren Myers had been reported missing by his family in Wellington after failing to return from a planned five-day walk.
It appears he fell several metres down a waterfall three days into his tramp.
Search and rescue spokesperson, Murray Johnson, says they were up against the weather from day one.
Darren Myers' brother-in-law, Duncan Styles, says the family is devastated - especially his wife Kim.
He says Mr Myers was an experienced and enthusiastic tramper.
The death has been referred to the Coroner.
