Police searching for escaped Hamilton prisoner Michael Campbell believe he might have left the Waikato region.

The 33 year old managed to escape from the court cells yesterday, but exactly how is still unknown.

Senior Sergeant Rupert Friend says they're investigating how he managed to escape, but the first priority is to find him.

"He's known to have contacts throughout the North Island including Whakatane, Palmerston North, and Wellington," he says.

"We believe he may be heading to one of these areas."