A car has been found lying in the Kopurererua Stream this morning.

The vehicle appears to have gone off State Highway 29 between Barkes Corner and the Lakes roundabout just before Bridge 143, while heading towards the Kaimai Range.

Police say they responded to a report received around 8am of the vehicle found in a stream near Takitimu Dr near Tauriko.

"It appears there were no occupants in the car," says a Police spokesperson.

The location of the driver and any passengers is unknown at this stage, Police are conducting enquiries to locate the driver and establish the circumstances.

A fence and a highway barrier were damaged, and there is debris scattered across the ground.

At the scene? Phone 0800 SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz