Tongariro National Park search area 'thick with bush'

Police scouring Tongariro National Park say they are determined to bring the missing pair home to their whanau. Photo / NZ Police

The search for two men missing in Tongariro National Park, which has been going for nine days, is continuing.

Along with volunteers from LandSAR, police were continuing to search in an area between Tree Trunk Gorge Rd and the Pillars of Hercules, a police spokesman said.

A police dog trained in search and rescue techniques rejoined the operation today, Senior Sergeant Tony Jeurissen said.

"The search area is thick with bush," he said.

"We want to ensure we cover every piece of ground to locate any evidence which would assist us in finding the pair.

The police dive squad completed a search of Tongariro National Park's waterways yesterday. Photo / NZ Police

"We are grateful to the Police National Dive Squad, which completed its search of waterways yesterday."

The weather today was favourable for the operation team, with conditions clear.

"As we have said previously, we are determined to bring these men back to their whanau," Mr Jeurissen said.

Many of the whanau are staying in nearby Turangi.

"We have a number of police iwi liaison officers supporting the families and ensuring they are updated on the progress of the search."

Police are continuing to search in an area between Tree Trunk Gorge Rd and the Pillars of Hercules. Photo/ NZ Police