A major police operation is underway in Fiordland

State Highway 94 has been closed outside Te Anau - and multiple police cars are on the scene.

Witnesses have told the Otago Daily Times there's a car abandoned in the middle of the road.

They say police and dog handlers are searching nearby fields.

Another local says police called - and told her to stay inside the house.

Southern Lakes Helicopter chief pilot Sir Richard Hayes says a helicopter is flying members of the Invercargill Armed Offenders Squad to the scene.

Ambulances are also in attendance.