Police move to recovery phase in search for Erika

1 minute read
Posted 21 October, 2026
Erika

Police are transitioning to a new phase in their search for missing woman Erika Rodrigues Coelho near Queenstown.

The 47-year-old has been missing for a month. She was last seen on Friday, 18 September near Skippers Saddle.

Extensive search efforts and enquiries so far have failed to locate Erika and police have moved to a recovery phase.

"We understand this is a difficult time for Erika’s family and loved ones. Our thoughts are with them," Sergeant Terry Wood says. 

"As the search moves into a recovery phase, we have introduced two specialist search dog teams from Christchurch and Blenheim."

They are specifically combing areas the team believe Erika would have most likely have travelled.

Officers are still looking for any information that can help locate Erika. Any detail might help investigators understand what happened or where Erika went.

Please make a report of information through 105, over the phone or by using the online service.

On the website, click ‘Update report’.

Please reference file number 260921/8173.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.


Advert
Advert
SHARE ON

Related articles

Latest issue

Issue 1073 Read Now

Last week’s issue

Issue 1072 Read Now

DISCOVER THE QUEENSTOWN APP

Download or update to the new Queenstown App today

image

WHY ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS WITH US

The Lakes Weekly is part of Queenstown Media Group (QMG).

QMG is Queenstown’s leading locally owned and operated media company with print, online and social platforms that engage locals with what they care about — everything local!

The Lakes Weekly delivers stories and news that connects with local so they come away each week better connected to their community. Advertising sits within this curated content environment, and it’s a trusted relationship between readers and the Lakes Weekly. Advertisers benefit from the association with the LWB brand values.

The Lakes Weekly is hand delivered to every business in Queenstown, Arrowtown, Frankton, Five Mile Remarkables Park and Glenda Drive on Tuesday. Copies are available in service stations, libraries and drop boxes throughout the region and every supermarket throughout the Queenstown basin and Wanaka.

Online the issue is available Monday afternoon, on lwb.co.nz and the Qtn App.

3,500

Printed copies
each week

13,250

Estimated weekly
readership
Read the
Latest issue