14 Aug 2017

Search for two men who fled police to continue

9:23 pm on 14 August 2017

The search for two men who fled police in a stolen car and are believed to be lost in the Tongariro National Park ended today without success.

Mount Ruapehu as seen from entrance to Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park. Photo: RNZ / Kate Newton

Five search teams, including two search and rescue dogs, have been searching dense bush for the men, who are believed to be missing at the far eastern edge of the park since Saturday.

Police said they found a fire that had been recently lit, and some clothing.

Bad weather has prevented a helicopter helping in the search.

Police are concerned for the two men, aged in their 20s, as they are ill-prepared to be in the bush for long.