Police have serious concerns for the welfare of two men lost in Kaimanawa Forest and a significant search is under way to find them.

The two men, aged in their 20s, are believed to be the same two individuals who fled police in a stolen car on Saturday, August 12.

Police attempted to stop the stolen car at about 3pm on Saturday, before the driver fled at speed north on the Desert Road, says Bay of Plenty Operations Manager, Inspector Kevin Taylor.

The car was eventually abandoned on a track off Tree Trunk Gorge Road, off the Desert Road.

The driver and passenger had run off into the bush, says Kevin.

'At the time, police attempted to locate them but they actively avoided officers and were not located.

'The incident prompted Police to warn all road users to report sightings of pedestrians or hitchhikers in the area.

'Police continued with enquiries.”

On Sunday morning, based on information provided by family members and a subsequent 111 call from one of the offenders, it was clear the two had become lost in the bush, says Kevin.

'The focus then changed to a search and rescue operation to remove these two individuals from the dangerous situation they are now in.

'As one of the callers only had two per cent phone battery left at the time they called, police have only been able to obtain minimal details on their location.”

Police from the Bay of Plenty district and a helicopter searched the area until 11pm last night but they were not located.

Police are now seriously concerned for their welfare considering their lack of experience in the bush and inappropriate clothing they have on them.

'Conditions overnight have been very cold and wet. It's likely both of them will be suffering from hypothermia.

'Police Search and Rescue teams and a dog unit have returned to the bush today and a helicopter will continue searching when weather allows.”

Anyone in the area is asked to contact police immediately if they see, or have seen, two men in the Kaimanawa Forest area today.