Police are considering their next moves after what they call ‘an exhausting' 10 day search for two men missing in the Tongariro National Park.

A rahui will remain on the area for the rest of the week, allowing families and whanau to ‘reflect in peace' upon the situation.

Placing of rahui is a Maori cultural practice that will protect the site from disturbance. It is a ban on human activity within the area between Mangamate Stream to the north, Makahikatoa Stream to the south, the Desert Road to the west and Tongariro River to the east.

Signs will be erected informing the public of the rahui and advising them to stay out of the designated area.

A police spokesperson says this is not the same as a police cordon, and people can still access the area if they wish.

The rahui will stay in place until lifted by Ngati Tuwharetoa.

Police will not be releasing further updates unless there is a ‘significant development' in the search.