A search of the Whangamoa Saddle hillside, north-east of Nelson, has found no sign of a car and its five occupants reported missing by another motorist.
Emergency services on Sunday scoured the area for a red stationwagon, after it was reported missing by another motorist who towed it to the top of the hill.
Police say the car's five male occupants intended to coast down the hill, before continuing the tow to Nelson, but were not seen again.
Police say a search found no sign of the car, and it's assumed the men drove on to Nelson without stopping for the tow.