Armed police and an Eagle helicopter have joined the search for a man who fired his gun at police during a vehicle stop.
Police say no one was injured in the Friday morning incident on Pueto Valley Road in Tauhara Forest near Taupō.
Police have located a firearm that may be connected to the incident and the area has been cordoned off.
Superintendent Andy McGregor, Bay of Plenty District Commander, said while it's not thought that there is immediate danger to members of the public, police advise people to avoid the area until the incident is resolved.
The incident occurred at 2:15am as police were conducting a routine vehicle stop, McGregor said.
The driver fired his gun towards police and fled on foot.
Motorists on State Highway 5 near Mount Tauhara are asked to phone 111 if they have seen anyone hitchhiking in this area.
Anyone who has any information that could assist Police to locate the offender is asked to call 111.
