He said the teams would ask people to look around their properties for the missing man.
He said until now the search teams had focused on open spaces, including parks, reserves, schools, retirement homes and hospitals.
He said given Peterson's medical condition, it was possible he was at someone's property and they didn't know he was there.
"He could have easily wandered into the backyards and be in a garage. He could be sitting on a chair at the back of a garage waiting to be found because he wouldn't necessarily be able to seek his own help."
Rotorua police asked anyone who may have seen Peterson to contact them on (07) 349 9139.