UPDATED: 5: 31 PM: Police are searching for a boat with two people on board that has been reported as overdue after leaving Tryphena on Great Barrier Island.

A Police spokeswoman said the boat left Tryphena after a fishing competition last night and failed to make contact with friends or family who were expecting a call at 5pm.

"We were notified at 11.45am today that a boat with two people on board was overdue," she said.

Police earlier told media four people were on board.

She said the Auckland police launch was searching the area around Great Barrier Island in heavy seas, but no other support had been called in at this stage.