The Wairere Falls Track in the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park remains closed today as the search continues for a man who went missing in the river near the falls on Saturday.

Police say the man was last seen around 11.50am on Saturday, when a witness reported seeing him fall into the fast-moving river below Wairere Falls.

“Despite their best efforts, they were unable to reach the individual,” police said in a statement.

Emergency services, including a Swift Water Rescue Team, Fire and Emergency NZ, Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR), and Police Search and Rescue responded to the scene. While the Swift Water Rescue Team was later stood down, other teams continued searching until nightfall.

The search resumed this morning, with police continuing to assess the situation and plan the next steps.

As a precaution and to support search efforts, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has closed the Wairere Falls Track until further notice.

In a statement on its website, DOC said, “DOC is supporting Police as they investigate a reported incident at Wairere Falls. The track is closed until further notice. All queries should be directed to the Police.”

The popular Wairere Falls Track winds through native bush, across moss-covered rocks and tangled tree roots, with large boulders forming natural pools and cascading waterfalls.