The horses ran down Tram Road off State Highway 1. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Unable to stop horses on the run on a motorway north of Taupō, police fatally shot them.
At 5.20am, police were called to reports of horses loose on State Highway 1, near Oruanui Road.
"The horses posed a significant risk to motorists travelling along a main busy route in the dark, with the potential for a more serious crash," senior sergeant Andrew Livingstone said.
The horses ran down Tram Road, off State Highway 1, and officers tried to recapture them, he said.
However, the horses picked up speed and took off towards the highway.
"Unfortunately, police had to resort to fatally shooting them," Livingstone said.
"Police use every option available to us when we are called to these incidents with the aim to prevent harm to members of the public, and - where we can - the animals.
"However, due to the risks involved, in some cases, we unfortunately have to resort to serious measures."
He urged farmers and livestock owners to secure their properties.
Police were looking for the driver whose car collided with a horse, to ensure they were OK.
The driver can contact police referencing event number P058450618.