Low cloud and poor visibility are preventing searchers from flying into the area today to continue searching for 33-year-old Wellington engineer Simon Bell.
Mr Bell has not been seen for three weeks since telling friends he intended to climb 2819m Mt Earnslaw.
His ex-partner reported him missing on Monday.
Yesterday, police found a sleeping bag and other items believed to belong to Mr Bell.
Acting Senior Sergeant Steve Watt, of Queenstown, said the items were found at Esquilant Bivvy Hut yesterday during a search of huts and tracks in the Mt Earnslaw area.
Police also spoke to a climber who had been conducting a guided tour of the area, and stayed at the Esquilant Bivvy Hut when Mr Bell was thought to have been there about January 14.
''The climber provided further information about Simon's possible intentions,'' Acting Snr Sgt Watt said.
''It's thought that Simon intended to climb the West to East Face.''
Police flew back into the area yesterday accompanied by Department of Conservation staff and Alpine Cliff Rescue personnel to search an area known as Sir William, but did not find anything of significance, Acting Snr Sgt Watt said.
When weather allows, police plan to concentrate the search on the West to East Peak Traverse and Pluto Peak, an area other climbers have indicated that Simon intended to climb in.
However, it's not expected that the weather will clear until Saturday.
"Our thoughts go out to Simon's family. They have been extremely resilient in this tough time, which has been particularly frustrating with the weather hindering any search opportunities," says Acting Senior Sergeant Steve Watt, Queenstown Police.
