Wellington  - A search party combing a forest park near Wellington Thursday found no trace of a Polish man who has not been seen since he set out for a day's hike at the weekend.

But police said they had not given up hope of finding Jacek Gryzbowski, 28, and the search, in which an Air Force helicopter was used to drop up to 40 volunteers into remote areas of the Rimutaka Forest Park, would resume Friday.

Gryzbowski was reportedly dressed and equipped only for a one-day hike when he set out Saturday in weather that is turning bitterly cold at night.

But Police Inspector Mike Wright told reporters, "If he's hunkered down under bush and fern cover and keeping warm, then it is survivable."

The Pole was reported to be a keen hiker, having spent most weekends walking in the Wellington region since arriving in the city for a working holiday in February. (dpa)