Search teams have found no sign of an overdue tramper missing in the Hunua Ranges, south of Auckland.

Ronnie Fong, 36, who was formerly known as Ronnie Kumar, was last in contact with friends about 3.30pm on Saturday, when he sent a text message saying he was delayed.

He was poorly prepared for cold nights outdoors, wearing a lightweight jacket and three-quarter-length shorts and carrying a day pack, police say.

Police spokesman Sergeant Dene Duthie told NZ Newswire about 70 people were involved in the search on Monday morning, including police search and rescue teams and land search and rescue volunteers.

Air force Iroquois helicopters were also sent to search the area.

The search will continue into the night on Monday and on Tuesday, Radio New Zealand reported.

High winds and rain, though not as serious as predicted, moved into the region on Monday.