Police and members of the public hunt for a missing toddler and her puppy near her Motueka home.

A 2-year-old girl and her puppy who went missing in sprawling Motueka bush has been found safe by rescuers.

Police and search and rescue teams scoured the bush for more than five hours after the toddler went missing in Brooklyn, Motueka, north-west of Nelson, about 4pm on Wednesday.

Police were called just after 6pm, and they made a public appeal for help three and a half hours later.

BRADEN FASTIER/STUFF The girl went missing about 4pm. Police say conditions were too poor for a helicopter to join the search.

Search and rescue officials at a cordon near the scene said she was found by searchers safe. It is understood she was found up in the hills, near an airstrip.

The girl's grandfather said the child was "fine".

"She walked a long way, she is sitting in the car and she is warm and happy. We are just waiting now for the ambulance to come and check her out," he said.

BRADEN FASTIER/STUFF Police had been inundated with offers from people wanting to join the search, but said no further assistance was needed.

Acting Senior Sergeant Nigel McMorran said the child and her puppy were found about 11.20pm.

"The excellent result follows an extensive five hour search by police, search and rescue volunteers, neighbours and family," he said.

"A search and rescue volunteer located them safe and well in the bush, at least 3km away from the family's home.

"The girl and the puppy have been returned to their very relieved family."

Tasman Police was inundated with offers from members of the public to help with search, and expressed their gratitude for their help and support.

Police launched a major search in bush near the toddler's home in Little Sydney Rd on Wednesday night.

The girl and her family's puppy, a 4-month-old bulldog-staffy cross, had gone missing from their property. The house was in a rural area, surrounded by extensive bush.

About 20 people had searched the area, including off-duty police, search and rescue staff, and neighbours.

A helicopter had also been put on standby, but had been unable to join the search so far due to poor weather conditions, police said.

A police dog unit was also in the area and neighbours had been asked to search their homes and outdoor areas for any sign of the girl or the puppy.

The toddler was wearing a bright pink-coloured sweatshirt with an image of an owl on the front and grey tights.

She was also wearing silver-coloured glittery gumboots.