Coastguard northern region duty officer, Nico Doodeman, said on the night of the incident, a rescue helicopter and two Coastguard vessels were called out.
They scoured the area until the search was stood down about midnight, he said.
Sergeant Shane Turner, Whāngārei Search and Rescue Co-ordinator, said they had been utilising helicopters and the Coast Guard in the search since the man was reported missing.
"We are supporting the man's family at this difficult time," he said.
