A driver allegedly failed to stop for police and led them on a half-hour pursuit on foot in Rotorua.

Rotorua police senior sergeant Bill Fisher said the driver allegedly failed to stop and abandoned the vehicle he was driving on Sunset Rd.

The driver then took off towards Edmund Rd, cutting through private property, Fisher said.

Police dogs were involved in the search.

A man was arrested and charged with driving offences and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, Fisher said.

Adam Pl resident Aneta Mitai said it was a bit of a shock arriving home to find the road cordoned off.

"I came home and the police were already in my street.

"This was quite new for our street," she said.

"Everyone has retreated back into their homes now, but we were all quite surprised."