A search is underway in a remote section of bush in the Coromandel Peninsula after a man mysteriously disappeared a fortnight ago.

Shannon Earle Makowharemahihi, 37, was last seen on June 1 at the property he shared with a flatmate not far from the Coroamandel township.

Police said in a statement that Makowharemahihi's disappearance was out of character.

Eastern Waikato police investigations manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Stephen Ambler says Makowharemahihi's hand-painted green Hiace van was found on Tuesday - 12 days after Makowharemahihi disappeared - parked up a remote road in the bush.

A member of the public found the van a few kilometres from the carpark off the Castle Rock Rd, which runs off the 309 Rd.

It was stopped at the end of a road known by locals as 'Sheps Rd' in remote bush likely frequented by hunters rather than trampers.

The vehicle was located on Tuesday, but could have been there for any length of time in the last 12 days, he says.

"If anyone was in the area, or has seen the vehicle travelling that area if they can contact police so we can get a better timeline."

The vehicle was originally a white 1995 Hiace van with the registration CNF338, which had since been painted green.

Waikato Police search and rescue staff and volunteers have launched a search of the area and plan to comb the bush throughout Wednesday and Thursday.

"They will be there for sometime unless they locate him."

Makowharemahihi is described as a spiritual person and often went into the bush to meditate.

He lived a remote lifestyle, living in a caravan on the back of a property he shared in the Coromandel and frequently travelled

"We are speaking to people who are close to him to get a better of idea of his movements and what he did commonly."

Makowharemahihi had upcoming events planned and there was nothing to indicate that something suspicious had happened to him, Ambler said.

"It's just a mystery at this point.

"We expect he's gone from there on foot."

He is described as 175cm and of thin build.

Anyone with information about Makowharemahihi is encouraged to contact Coromandel police Sergeant Andrew Morrison or Constable Dave Hopoi on (07) 866 4000.

- Stuff/Phillipa Yalden.