Coromandel search for missing tourists

A search for two missing British backpackers has been launched on the Coromandel Peninsula this morning.

The two men, who have not been named, went for a walk on a bush track in the Puketui area, 14km southwest of Tairua, yesterday afternoon.

When the men failed to return, staff at the backpackers lodge in Tairua where they were staying alerted police.

Police found the pair's car around midnight in the carpark of the track they were walking on.

Two search and rescue teams were sent in about 5 am today and were joined by a third team three hours later.

Police are confident of finding the men, who were carrying day packs and torches.