Police were also seen searching several houses along Hamurana Rd, near Marama Point Resort.
Local residents said police told them they were looking for someone who stole a car.
It is believed the search went on for about two hours in the Rotorua suburb of Hamurana, from about 12.30pm.
Police were at one house for about half an hour and several officers could be seen surrounding the house.
One officer could be seen peering through a window before they went in and searched the house.
A tow truck was also called to retrieve the car from private property.
Local residents said the action provided some entertainment for the afternoon.