The woman's body was found at Fox River, near Punakaiki, after she was reported overdue from a tramp. Photo / NZME
A woman found dead on the West Coast at the weekend has been named by police as Lydia Gottsmann, 27, from Germany.
Police said Gottsmann was in New Zealand on a working visa.
West Coast Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood said she was reported missing in the Fox River area on Saturday, November 1, after failing to return from a tramp.
She was last known to have set out last Thursday, and her vehicle was later found at the Fox River car park.
Land Search and Rescue teams searched the area with the support of a helicopter, a dog team, and local surf lifesavers.
“She was sighted nearby by a police search and rescue member,” Kirkwood said.
Her death had been referred to the coroner.
“Police offer our sincere condolences to her family and friends at this difficult time,” Kirkwood said.
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany earlier confirmed it had been contacted by police about Gottsmann’s death.
“Unfortunately, due to data protection regulations, we as the embassy cannot share any further information with news or media outlets without consent from the individual or family members,” it said.
“We regret that we can’t be of further assistance.”
Ben Tomsett is a multimedia journalist based in Dunedin. He joined the Herald in 2023.