Police say the wreckage of a light aircraft has been found in the northern Tararua Ranges — and the two crewmen are dead.

Police had been working with RCCNZ and LandSAR to locate the plane since last night.

The aircraft was reported overdue about 8:30pm yesterday after taking off from Foxpine.

The wreckage was located around 7:30am today.

Police are supporting partner agencies and an examination of the scene is underway.

The Civil Aviation Authority will investigate the crash.