Relatives spotted the blue Mazda ute on Bell Hill Road, near Rotomanu, shortly before police personnel sent a helicopter to the same area of the Southern Alps foothills, but the flight was delayed by fog.
Today’s discovery is a breakthrough and comes five days after Mr. O’Brien was last seen around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, packing a rucksack and telling his daughter he was “going through the bush”.
Since then, police and family have been calling to see the ute.
Mr O’Brien, described as a very capable bushman, was caught on camera at around 9pm filling up at Z petrol station in Greymouth after leaving his home in Runanga.
Another piece of surveillance footage was discovered yesterday showing the ute traveling north through Dobson at 9:38 p.m.
The Crooked Route, a trail near Bell Hill Road, is a trail recommended as “experienced trampers only” and follows the Crooked River along very steep and rugged terrain, past gorges and rapids.
Several backcountry cabins are located in the area, including Jacko Flat, Top Crooked, Lake Morgan, and Camp Creek.
Greymouth Senior Sergeant Brent Cook today said the case was a “hot file” with “considerable resources deployed”.
Reports that the police had abandoned the search were “absolutely” refuted.
Asked if police would use a helicopter in the area of interest, Mr Cook said: “Helicopters are only effective if people want to be found.”
– Me Fulford