Security guards are blocking the entrance to an off-road area on State Highway 38 where forensic teams - involved in the police investigation into the disappearance of Rotorua woman Michelle Hoffman-Tamm - are searching.
A tent has been put up and officers in white suits can be seen searching anearby area of forest and bush.
It is understood teams could be there for some days.
Meanwhile, a 44-year old woman has appeared in Rotorua District Court charged with assaulting Ms Hoffman-Tamm, who went missing 16 days ago.
The Rotorua woman, who was granted interim name suppression, did not enter a plea when she appeared before a Community Magistrate and was remanded in custody to reappear in court on December 3.
Police said last night they were examining the rural spot close to SH38 between Rotorua and Murupara, while a house in Rotorua was also undergoing forensic examination.
Ms Hoffman-Tamm's red bike was also found yesterday at a different location in a Rotorua suburb.
