Footprint lead in hunt for missing tourist

Twelve people and four tracker dogs will resume the private search for missing Israeli tourist Liat Okin today.

The 35-year-old was last seen at a hut off the Routeburn Track near Queenstown on March 25. Ms Okin's 26-year-old brother Itamar Tas has been running a full-scale search since last Thursday.

The search party is examining a trail of footprints today which were found in an area away from the track where hunters do not usually go. Mr Tas believes the prints could be significant.

He says his family is footing the bill for the search which which is costing $4,000-$10,000 a day, depending on how often helicopters are used and the number of searchers involved. Mr Tas says the $5,000 the family has been given through fundraising in New Zealand and donations from Israel has been a huge help.