John Shaw, 45, has been missing since his white utility was found on its roof about 2.30am Boxing Day near the Oxley Highway at Mt Seaview, 100 kilometres west of Port Macquarie.  

His mother Joy Shaw, said John enjoyed "nibblies and a cup of tea" at the Manning River Sailing Club, where he is the club captain, on Christmas Day before going for a drive in the afternoon.

She said he might have gone to the beach at Port Macquarie, where he used to live, "to clear his head".

His mother thought he was "probably coming home" along a back road to Marlee when his vehicle crashed.

Police told the Shaw family that footprints were found near the car, but they "petered out" after a short distance.

Police have led the search of dense bush, which included six teams of State Emergency Service volunteers from Kempsey, Wauchope and Port Macquarie on Monday.

The remote location of the search has made it difficult for the Shaw family to get updates.

"All we want is our boy," Mrs Shaw said. "He is the most beautiful son: he doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, he wouldn't touch drugs.

We just want him home."

Anyone with information on John's whereabouts is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.