Search for missing Queenstown woman moves to recovery phase
Tuesday 20 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated 
Police have transitioned the search for 47-year-old Erika Rodrigues Coelho into a recovery phase. She has been missing since 18 September after being last seen near Skippers Saddle. Her rental car was located at the site on 21 September, but extensive land searches have failed to find her.
Key facts
4 facts
- Erika Rodrigues Coelho, 47, has been missing since 18 September
- A white Toyota RAV4 with a black roof was found at Skippers Saddle on 21 September
- The search has moved to a recovery phase involving specialist dog teams from Christchurch and Blenheim
- The physical search was paused on 6 October
The full story
1 min read · 4 outlets
The search for missing 47-year-old surgeon Erika Rodrigues Coelho has transitioned into a recovery phase. Police have brought in two specialist search dog teams from Christchurch and Blenheim to focus on high-probability zones where investigators believe she may have travelled.
Coelho, a Brazilian national living in Queenstown, was last seen near Skippers Saddle on Friday, 18 September. Her rental vehicle, a white Toyota RAV4 with a black roof, was discovered at Skippers Saddle on 21 September. Investigators believe the car was left there during the afternoon or evening of 18 September.
Extensive search efforts involving LandSAR volunteers, drones, and helicopters have been conducted in the rugged Mt Dewar area. A physical search was previously paused on 6 October. Police have previously sought help identifying a slim man of Asian complexion seen on the Mt Dewar summit track around 12.30pm on the day Coelho disappeared.
Sergeant Terry Wood of the Queenstown Police stated, "We understand this is a difficult time for Erika’s family and loved ones. Our thoughts are with them". Police continue to appeal for any information regarding her whereabouts or movements via 105 or Crime Stoppers.
How it developed
- Tue 20 Oct, 6:50amThe report includes details from the missing woman's brother, Alexandre Coelho, regarding the distress felt by his mother, Aldivina Coelho, and comments from a friend, Bruna Rech.
Where reports differ
- One report states police believe the missing woman is dead, while others focus on the transition to the recovery phase.
Compiled from reports by Stuff, 1News, NZ Herald and Otago Daily Times.
