Missing runners located

The missing runners were believed to have been in an area between Kawerau and Lake Rotoma (pictured). Photo / Daily Post

Three runners missing near Lake Rotoma since yesterday have been found this morning in the Rotoma Forest by a search and rescue team.

Eastern Bay of Plenty Search and Rescue Co-ordinator, Sergeant Andrew O'Reilly, said the trio, a 15-year-old girl and two men aged 26, are safe and well.

He said it will take around three hours for the trio and the search and rescue team to get out of the forest.

"We haven't been able to speak to the trio in great detail at this stage so we are still unclear as to what went wrong for them. We will have the opportunity to speak with them once they are safely back at one of our Police Stations.

"The most important thing right now is that they have been found and that they are safe and well.

The runners set out for a run in an area between Kawerau and Lake Rotoma around 10am. Relatives raised the alarm when they failed to return.

Two police search and rescue teams, as well as volunteers, launched a search for the trio around 4pm yesterday and continued throughout the night, Mr O'Reilly said.

Police had concerns for the runners as their were lightly-clad and temperatures were expected to drop overnight.

Extra search and rescue members joined the effort this morning.

"I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in the past 18 hours, at a time when many of our volunteers and supporters are taking a well earned break to celebrate the festive season with their family and friends," Mr O'Reilly said.