A farmer caught two young adults who allegedly stole a car, sparked a police chase, and then crashed into another car before trying to run away overnight.
Waikato police have praised the farmer for apprehending a man aged 20 and an 18-year-old woman after the chaotic events.
District road policing manager Inspector Freda Grace said the mayhem started when police checked a Nissan Primera travelling at 126km/h on State Highway 25 at Waitakaruru.
"Instead of stopping as required, the driver has instead fled from police at speed and a pursuit under the supervision of the northern communications centre has been initiated.
"Given the speed and nature of the fleeing motorist's driving, the pursuit was abandoned ... officers conducting a search for the Nissan came across it somewhat worse for wear a short time later."