Waves pound through The Gap in the aftermath of 2015’s Cyclone Pam.
Photo: Supplied/Cliff House

The fishing spot where two men went missing this week is notorious among locals as a danger zone.

The men were fishing near rocks at The Gap, near Taiharuru in Northland on Wednesday.

They were reported missing just before midnight after they failed to return home.

On its website, Whangārei District Council described The Gap as a “narrow cleft in the rocks”, which could be a “spectacular sight when the sea is rough”.

It is known as a good fishing spot, especially for snapper, but can be dangerous when there are large swells – as there were on Wednesday.

A photo taken in the aftermath of Cyclone Pam in 2015 showed waves pounding through The Gap and hammering the beach.

One local fisherman, who did not want to be named out of respect for the missing men, said the fishing spot could be treacherous in high seas.

“Locals know you have to respect The Gap.”

In 2013, a fisherman died at The Gap after he and two friends were swept off the rocks and into the sea.

Police said on Thursday evening that despite ongoing search efforts, the men remained missing.

Police Search and Rescue, along with LandSAR volunteers, had searched the coastline throughout the day, while the Eagle helicopter had conducted an aerial search.

Coastguard’s Circa Rescue vessel and Northland Coastguard Air Patrol had also been assisting, and Coastguard volunteers had been searching the shoreline from the water.

Police said search efforts would continue.

“We will continue to assess the situation moving forward and call on assistance from additional resources and agencies as appropriate.

“Police are also keeping in contact with the men’s families to provide them with updates and our thoughts remain with them at this time.”