Body of missing Israeli tourist found in New Zealand

The body of the Israeli tourist who had been missing for over a month was found Friday in the Fiordland canyon in southern New Zealand.

A combined specialist rescue team of Israeli and local forces located the body of 35-year-old Liat Okin a few hours after her personal equipment had been found in the canyon. Okin is believed to have got lost during her hike, and froze to death.

Briefing reporters, a local police chief said that a full identification process has yet to have taken place but officials assess that the personal gear found near the body, including a rucksack and hiking shoes, prove that it is indeed the Israeli tourist.

An Israeli member of the rescue team told Army Radio that he believed Okin meant to arrive at a camp located at the foot of the mountain, yet made her way there without using necessary navigation means. Okin is thought to have then been caught in a certain rockslide from which she could not extricate herself.

Okin was last seen on March 26 as she set off to walk the 35-kilometre Routeburn Track, which is considered to be one of the most scenic and popular tracks in New Zealand. She was reported missing after failing to contact family members a week later.

	Liat Okin. (Photo courtesy of the family)