British hiker Stephanie Simpson who went missing in New Zealand has been found dead, police have said.
Her body was discovered on Friday, around 1.40pm local time, in the Pyke Creek area in Mount Aspiring National Park.
The discovery came after search teams had found a pack and a pair of boots believed to belong to Ms Simpson.
The 32-year-old, from the Basildon area in Essex, was reported missing on Monday. This came after she did not arrive to her gardening job in the Wanaka area, where she was working having moved their last year according to her social media.
She had told friends that she planned to go hiking over the weekend, on New Zealand's South Island, ahead of her disappearance.
A statement from New Zealand Police said: "Police extend their condolences to Stephanie's family at this tragic time.
"Police would also like to thank everyone involved in the search since it began on Monday for their considerable efforts to locate Stephanie.
"The search was extremely challenging at times, especially in consideration of the terrain, and the work of all involved is to be commended."
Friends had taken to social media to share an appeal to trace Ms Simpson ahead of today's news, while a major search was conducted by authorities.
Sergeant Mark Kirkwood said police extended their condolences to Ms Simpson’s family “at this tragic time”
