Search paused for woman missing in Queenstown

Police in Queenstown, New Zealand, have paused the search for a missing Brazilian woman, Erika Rodrigues Coelho, after two weeks of extensive efforts. Authorities are reviewing the case and continue to appeal for public information regarding her disappearance.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing public safety concerns and the logistical challenges of search and rescue operations in mountainous terrain.
<p>The search for a <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/09/25/search-continues-for-woman-missing-near-coronet-peak/" target="_blank">woman missing in Queenstown's Coronet Peak</a> for more than two weeks has been paused this evening.</p> <p>Brazilian national Erika Rodrigues Coelho, 47, was reported missing on September 20. No one had seen or heard from her since September 18.</p> <p>Her rental car was found at Skippers Saddle on September 21. </p> <p>Police last week sought a <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/09/30/police-seek-man-seen-on-summit-track-day-missing-woman-vanished/" target="_blank">man seen on a summit track</a> in the area on the day she was last seen.</p> <p>Sergeant Terry Wood said the man was on the summit track in the Mount Dewar area, near Coronet Peak, about 12.30pm.</p> <p>In an update this evening, Wood said police had carried out "extensive searches of the area" but…
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