Cordon lifted as wanted man evades police near Taupo tourist hotspot

Armed police at the cordon on Huka Falls Rd, Taupo, after reports of a man loose with a gun. Photo / Emma Cottle

A cordon has been lifted near the Huka Falls after a man was seen in the area with a gun.

Police said they were searching for a person of interest known to them and part of Huka Falls Rd, Taupo, had to be cordoned off.

Bay of Plenty District Police did not find the person, who is wanted on a number of warrants.

Bay of Plenty police Senior Sergeant Mike Membury said there was no risk to the public but couldn't comment about whether the wanted man was armed.

But staff at the five-star resort Huka Lodge confirmed they had been told there was "a guy on the loose that was armed".

Police had cordoned off a section of road around Reids Park Farm free camping ground, which is a few minutes' drive south of the lodge.

Taupo resident Emma Cottle saw armed police and "heaps" of tourists waiting around the cordon in their campervans for access to the site.

She had been told by police the cordon will remain in place for another three hours.

Another Taupo resident also noticed armed police around the camping ground, posting on a local Facebook page; "Hey. Armed police have reid farm area closed off. Anyone know whats goimg on."

Taupo Police are dealing with an incident on Huka Falls Rd. The road has been cordoned off. Please avoid this area for the next two hours. Will up date with further when available.

Posted by Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police on Saturday, 17 December 2016