A major search and rescue operation is underway at Lake Rotoma, near Rotorua, to locate three missing runners.
The trio, two men and a 15-year-old girl, set off at mid-morning on Thursday, and were believed to be running in an area between Kawerau and Lake Rotoma.
The police launched a search and rescue operation for the runners, who do not live in the area, late in the afternoon when they were reported missing by relatives.
The police say search and rescue volunteers are continuing to search the area, and more will join the team later on Friday morning.
Sergeant Andrew O'Reilly says the runners were lightly clad, so obviously are not prepared to be spending a night in the bush.
He says it will become quite cold and that is a concern.
Sergeant O'Reilly is asking anyone who saw the trio running in the Lake Rotoma area on Thursday to call the police immediately.
