Fresh information in the search for a missing hunter is showing some promising leads.

The 58-year-old had been hunting with a group in Te Urewera National Park, but hadn't been seen since Wednesday.

His hunting group reported him missing yesterday, prompting a search and rescue operation.

However, police say a man has come forward saying he met the missing man, who was in good spirits and had food with him at Pukareau Stream, about 10km south of where the group had been camping.

The missing hunter was given instructions as to how to get back to his group, and police say it's possible that he's followed these instructions but just hasn't made it back yet.