Waikato Police are urging anyone going bush this Labour Weekend to expect the best but prepare for the worst.

Being prepared for the bush means taking along food, water and appropriate equipment, but most importantly, telling people where you intend to go.

A NZ Air Force Iroquois helicopter was the defining difference in this week's search for a 59-year-old man missing in the Coromandel Ranges. Photo: Supplied

This plea from police follows the successful but large scale search operation for a 59-year-old man who went missing in the Coromandel Ranges this week.

Waikato Search and Rescue sergeant Phil Bell says around 40 volunteers were involved in the search for the Pukekohe man who went missing on Monday.

'When he failed to return home by lunchtime on Tuesday the man's wife contacted police.

'[She was] concerned for his welfare as he wasn't equipped for an overnight stay in the bush.”

Phill says search teams worked through Tuesday night and into Wednesday. It was bolstered with NZ Air Force Iroquois helicopter joining the search of what is described as very rugged terrain.

It was the helicopter that the difference to the successful outcome of the search, he says.

'The man was wearing a bright yellow hi-vis vest which was seen by a Land SAR spotter from the air and the man also shone a bright torch he had been carrying.

'In this case we're really pleased to be able to return the man to his family safe and well though we would suggest that people take a bit more care with planning when contemplating such difficult terrain.”

Phill says the man had intended walking to a Kauri dam in the bush that was off tracks in the area which is something only experienced trampers or hunters are advised to do.

He has a simple request for anyone planning on heading into the bush either this Labour Weekend or over the summer.

'Stay on the tracks, tell people which tracks you intend using and what areas you are interested in so if something goes wrong we know where to look for you.

'In this situation we were very fortunate in that there was mild weather as the lost walker had no cold weather kit or food.

'Police ask that even if you're only going out for a short walk you take some provisions and equipment, just in case something unplanned happens.”