A police search and rescue operation is underway for a high school student missing in the bush in Hawke's Bay.

The student was part of a school group tramping to Sunrise Hut in the Ruahine Forest Park. It's understood they are from Taradale High School.

Hawke's Bay Area Commander Inspector Caroline Martin said the teenager was reported missing about 7.10pm on Tuesday.

"Police were made aware a teenager had separated from their group while on a school tramping trip and was missing.

"Police, alongside Land Search and Rescue volunteers, responded immediately and conducted extensive ground searches in the Sunrise Hut area until the early hours," she said.

Martin said the search was continuing today.

"With field teams searching the area and the utilisation of specialist equipment and resources. We remain in contact with the teenager's family and the school, and are providing them with regular updates.

"Police are focused on locating the teenager. While our search is ongoing, police ask the public to avoid the area to ensure our search efforts are not compromised," Martin said..

She said if anyone has any information they could contact Police and reference P067927294.