At approximately 3pm this afternoon, Central Police attempted to stop a stolen car on State Highway One, in the Tongariro area.
The driver failed to stop and immediately fled from Police on Desert Road.
The car was eventually dumped on Tree Trunk Gorge Road before the driver and passenger, possible a man and woman, ran through nearby bush.
Police believe both of them are still in the area.
Any sightings of hitchhikers or pedestrians on Desert Road this evening, between Rangipo and Waioura, should be reported to 111 immediately.
ENDS
Police Media Centre