Missing man and children found

The group were in the Omahuta Forest, part of the Mangamuka Ranges. Photo / Northern Advocate

Police have found a father and his two children missing in Northland's Mangamuka Ranges in wild weather since Friday morning.

Search and Rescue had told police this afternoon that the trio had been found safe and well, and would provide more information later today.

The 40-year-old man and his children, aged 13 and six, went into the bush on Friday morning on a day hike, Far North area commander Inspector Chris Scahill said.

The group were in the Omahuta Forest, part of the Mangamuka Ranges.

Police were alerted on Saturday evening that they were overdue, Mr Scahill said.

Since then, their vehicle had been located on Blackbridge Road, he said.

The trio were only prepared for a day hike and had no food or other supplies.

Search and rescue members from the wider Northland squad began searching at first light this morning, with 30 members in five teams being taken into the area by an army Unimog, Mr Scahill said.

A search base had been set up at a local marae.

- NZPA