The car was eventually abandoned on a track off Tree Trunk Gorge Rd, off the Desert Rd, near the Three Sisters bends.
The driver and passenger had run off into the bush.
Mr Taylor said police tried to find them but they actively avoided officers and were not found.
As one of the callers only had 2 per cent phone battery left at the time they called, police have only been able to obtain minimal details on their whereabouts.
Police from the Bay of Plenty district and a helicopter searched the area until 11pm last night but they were not found.
Mr Taylor said police were now seriously concerned for their welfare considering their lack of experience in the bush and inappropriate clothing they had on them.
He said conditions overnight had been very cold and wet and it was likely both would now be suffering from hypothermia.
