Hastings man Vincent Taurima likely dead in Tongariro National Park

The two men made an emergency call from Tongariro National Park on Sunday. Photo/File

A Hastings man who fled into Tongariro bush on Saturday night remains missing after five days and it is unlikely he is still alive, according to Police.

Vincent Taurima, who is from Hastings although he had been living in Palmerston North with an uncle, was travelling in a stolen car when he and another occupant were chased by Police.

The two men fled into the bush, abandoning the car near the Desert Rd.

Mr Taurima's uncle, Hadleigh Balloch, said police gave the whanau an update on Wednesday night, telling them of several items found by searchers.

"They just found a few more clothes items and a phone case."

Mr Balloch said police also advised the family to stop searching for the men, despite the police and LandSAR efforts continuing.

The family would keep looking, even if it meant bringing a body home, Mr Balloch said.

Police said yesterday that items found on Wednesday "provided further confirmation that we are focusing our search efforts on the correct area".

The two men were not equipped for cold weather and Mr Balloch said Mr Taurima did not have any experience of surviving in the bush.

The missing pair made a 111 call on Sunday, reporting that they were cold and numb.

Inspector Kevin Taylor of the Bay of Plenty Police told NZME earlier in the week the discarded clothing found by searchers was consistent with hypothermia.

On Monday, searchers found a campfire, shoes and several other items of clothing.

Further items were found on Tuesday.

Police have told Mr Taurima's family chances of finding him alive after five days in the bush were slim.

"They just said it's unlikely for them to come out alive," Mr Balloch told Hawke's Bay Today.