Acting Senior Sergeant Steve Watt said an aerial search for Wellington climber Simon Bell yesterday was a ''possible recovery operation'', and the disappearance would be referred to the coroner.
''In practical terms, without new information and given the extreme and vast terrain in the area, we are unable to search further for Simon at this time,'' he said.
Low cloud, poor visibility and fresh snow in the past four days have hampered the search for the 33-year-old, who was on a mission to be the first to climb the 100 ''great peaks'' of New Zealand.
Mr Bell, who was last seen about January 14 at Esquilant Bivvy Hut on the mountain, was reported missing on February 2 by his ex-partner.
The Wellington engineer took leave from his job for the summer and relocated to Wanaka to pursue his ambition.
Acting Snr Sgt Watt said police had informed Mr Bell's family of the decision to end the search.
