Missing Nelson teenager Leo Lipp-Neighbours was in a "negative state of mind" on the night of his disappearance, adding to concerns for his safety, police say.
The 19-year-old was last seen about 4am on Sunday outside the Phat Club in central Nelson in an orange 1987 Toyota Corolla station wagon, registration number NQ7258.
Police were not treating his disappearance as suspicious, although there were concerns for his safety, acting Sergeant Blair Wilkinson, of Nelson police, said.
"It's very out of character for him to disappear and there's some suggestion he was in a negative state of mind, but we're not looking for anybody else in connection with his disappearance."
Police had spoken to friends he was with early Sunday, he said.
"There were things that warrant us having concerns for his wellbeing."
Mr Lipp-Neighbours may be in the area around Nelson, including Golden Bay and the Nelson Lakes, although police remained open-minded about his whereabouts, Mr Wilkinson said.
"We haven't managed to narrow down where he might be. He's got access to a vehicle so he could be anywhere in the South Island." He is known to have ties in Christchurch.
Mr Lipp-Neighbours is described as a 1.85-metre tall Caucasian with light brown hair.
He was last seen wearing a yellow t-shirt with black and red writing on the front, blue jeans, and black leather shoes.
Police would like to talk to anyone with information about his whereabouts.
"We're particularly interested if anyone knows where he is or has sighted his vehicle - we're very keen to hear from them," Mr Wilkinson said.
