Search for two boys in bush near Wellington

A search is underway for two teenage boys who got lost on a day trip in Eastbourne. Photo / file

A search is underway for two teenage boys who got lost on a day trip in Eastbourne.

The boys had made contact with family to say they had gone off track above York Bay.

Police said the boys left for a day trip about 9.30am and had minimial food and clothing.

Volunteer search and rescue teams and police had made contact with the boys and told them to "stay put", police said in a statement.

"The search is currently ongoing with teams still on the ground and the rescue helicopter searching overhead," the statement said. "If the teenagers are not located before the crews are stood down tonight, the search will resume at about 6.30am."