The small plane which had gone missing over the central North Island has been found.
Police confirmed it was discovered shortly before midday on Sunday.
"Police are at the scene of a plane crash in the Kaimanawa Ranges," a spokesperson said.
"Due to poor weather last night and earlier today which prevented helicopter activity, police were unable to land in the area until late this morning. The overdue aircraft was located around 11:30am today."
The plane set off from Palmerston North on Saturday night and was heading to Taupō Airport. Its last known location was near the Kaimanawa Ranges.
The plane is registered with Ardmore Flying School and is carrying two passengers.
After it failed to arrive, authorities were alerted and launched an aerial search.
"Call came at 10:30pm that plane hadn't flown through Taupō. Search and Rescue Helicopter was sent to the last radar signal, 24km south-east of Turangi," a Rescue Coordination Centre spokesperson told Newshub.
The status of the two people on board is still unknown.
Newshub.
