Sea and air search for boat reported overdue in Northland

An sea and air search is underway after a boat believed to be carrying two people was reported overdue last night.

Coastguard and police began the search after the boat was reported overdue at 9pm last night in the Pataua Harbour or southern Ngunguru Bay area.

Volunteers from Coastguard Whangarei and Coastguard Tutukaka were involved in the initial search operation, with the police eagle helicopter joining at 2am.

"The search concluded at 3.00am with crews back on shore shortly after 4.00pm," a coastguard spokesperson said.

"This morning, volunteers from Coastguard Tutukaka and Coastguard Whangarei resumed the search."

A fixed-wing plane from Northland Coastguard joined the search this morning.