Police are searching for a woman who has been missing for almost a month.

Shelly Crooks, 36, has been missing since December 22.

She was last seen in Punakaiki, on the West Coast of the South Island.

She told a friend that she was going to hitch hike to Opotiki in the North Island but her family has not heard from her since which police said was unusual, especially over the holiday period. 

Crooks is described as being of medium build and is about 180cm tall.

She is an experienced tramper and was well equipped to “go off the grid” for a number of days and had suitable equipment with her, police said.

Anyone with information on Crooks whearabouts is being asked to call Sergeant Michel Bloom of the Greymouth police on (03) 768 1600 or email [email protected].