A search and rescue operation is underway for a mother and daughter who appear to have gone missing while tramping near Waikanae.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have recently seen Carolyn and Rachel Lloyd, aged 45 and 22 respectively, who are thought to have gone tramping on the Kapakapanui Track in the Tararua Forest Park.

They were due to check out of their Palmerston North motel two days ago, and their rental car was due back at 11 this morning.

It was discovered at the entrance to the walking track earlier this evening.

The track is a six to eight hour loop, classified by the Department of Conservation as an advanced tramping track which is steep and rough and muddy in places.

Carolyn Lloyd is from the US and is visiting her student daughter Rachel.