Police find missing pair's car

The car being driven by a mother and daughter missing since Wednesday has been found at the entrance to a track in the Tararua Range and a search and rescue operation is under way.

American women Carolyn Lloyd (45) and Rachel Lloyd (22) were due to check out of their Palmerston North motel on April 27, and were expected to return their rental vehicle at 11am today.

Their vehicle was found by police this evening near the entrance of Kaukapanui loop track, which is described as being "advanced" by the Department of Conservation. Its entrance is near Waikanae and it is a six to eight hour loop track.

"The climb is steep and the track rough and muddy in places, with the forest still bearing the marks of the devastating 1936 cyclonic storm," DoC's website reads.

Carolyn Lloyd is visiting from the United States. Her daughter Rachel Lloyd is a student at Massey University.

Family members, the rental company and the motel have not heard from either of the women.

Massey University spokesman James Gardiner said Rachel was at the university on a one-semester exchange and had arrived from the US in February.

He said the university was co-operating with the investigation and was in contact with police as well as family members.

"We will offer Rachel's father transport to New Zealand, and are offering the family our support," Mr Gardiner said.

"We don't know what the situation is yet, but it is very worrying."

Tararua Tramping Club president Peter Barber said it would be difficult to get lost on the track.

"You go up one side and come down the other.

"But it is quite steep. The weather's been pretty good. It can be harder when it's not so good."

Mr Barber said it was important hikers always told someone where they were going, and carried good gear, extra food, a personal locator beacon and GPS.

Anyone with information on the case should contact Palmerston North Police on 06 351 2535.