Police hold fears for German woman tramper

Police are looking for a German woman tramping between Marlborough and Nelson after she left an alarming message in a hut log book.

A police spokeswoman said Esther Gehrmann, understood to be aged in her early 40s, was tramping the Te Araroa Trail when she wrote the message on Tuesday.

Another tramper found it in the Starveall Hut in the Mt Richmond Ranges, between Marlborough and Nelson, and contacted police. The message raised concerns for her welfare, the spokeswoman said.

It is believed Gehrmann had intended to walk south towards St Arnaud. Anyone with information is asked to contact Nelson police on 03 546 3840.