Police say the likelihood of finding and saving two men lost in Tongariro National Park is decreasing as Tauranga volunteers continue to help in day four of the search.
The two men, aged in their 20s, reportedly abandoned a stolen car near the Desert Rd and ran into bushland near the park on Saturday. Police said the pair were now likely to be in a critical condition.
Inspector Kevin Taylor said the likelihood of a positive outcome was diminishing.
"The two men were ill-prepared to spend time in the bush and are likely to now be in a critical condition.
"Police are supporting both whanau who are understandably very concerned as the search looks to enter its fourth day."