A fresh look into the mysterious disappearance of John and Mike Beckenridge has been cut short

The pair were last seen near the Catlins in 2015, their car found in the sea below an 88-metre cliff, with no bodies.

Coroner Marcus Elliot called for a second hearing in Christchurch - after new evidence came to light last year.

However, the witness has retracted his earlier claim his cousin had told him he'd helped the pair flee.

Crown prosecutor Deidre Elsmore has described it as a complete turnaround.

The hearing was originally set to finish today.