People have launched a homicide investigation after two people were found dead at a south Auckland home.

Two bodies have been discovered at a south Auckland property, while a child has been transported to Starship Hospital with critical injuries.

Officers were called to the scene on Sunnyside Cres in Papatoetoe shortly after 9:50am on Monday.

The body of a woman was found inside a bedroom and the child was found critically injured in the same room.

DAVID WHITE/STUFF A man lays flowers at the property on Sunnyside Crescent in Papatoetoe, Auckland.

A further search of the address revealed the body of a man inside the property's garage.

It was understood at least one of the victims had sustained extensive stab wounds.

A source in the area said nothing appeared to be amiss about the family, though they kept to themselves.

DAVID WHITE/STUFF Police confirmed they were investigating a homicide but were not seeking anyone else connected to the incident.

"They seemed like they were lovely people.

"They were not very social and kept to themselves.

"We are sad and it's quite shocking."

DAVID WHITE/STUFF Police conducting a scene examination where two people were found dead.

Detective Inspector Colin Higson said inquiries were at an early stage, but police were not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.

"Police are working to confirm the identities of the deceased and begin next of kin notifications, however we believe the two deceased were known to each other," he said.

"We are unlikely to have a further update today unless there is a significant development."

DAVID WHITE/STUFF Forensic specialists in white coats were seen between the main house and a smaller building at the back of the section.

'FAMILY SEEMED HAPPY'

Local resident Raj Singh said he saw a boy being taken to an ambulance on a stretcher.

Singh and his family were shocked to hear about the homicide and said two adults and two children at the cordoned-off house were playing on Sunday and had seemed happy.

NEIGHBOURS SHOCKED

Neighbour Max Muaulu was one of many shocked residents in the quiet suburban street.

He said the couple who lived at the house had been in the neighbourhood for probably less than six months.

DAVID WHITE/STUFF Police say they aren't seeking anyone else at this stage.

They kept to themselves and the street had always felt safe and quiet, he said.

Muaulu said his dog suddenly behaved very strangely about 1am on Monday.

"He just ran straight to the front door."

Muaulu said he saw a car speeding off with the door open but wasn't sure if the incident was related.

Another neighbour said they saw a distressed man and woman in a police car on Monday morning, and imagined they might have discovered the bodies in the house.

"You could feel the sadness in them."

DAVID WHITE/STUFF Police are expected to remain at the scene in south Auckland for the rest of the day.

The neighbour, who had lived on Sunnyside Crescent for about 20 years, added: "It's a very quiet neighbourhood. Everyone's good neighbours here."

She said she often saw a young child at the property but said apart from occasional greetings, the people at the house never engaged with her.

A TRAMPOLINE FOR CHRISTMAS

A resident next door to the house where the man and woman were found dead said a man at the house was installing a trampoline on Sunday.

The trampoline frame was already up.

The man now believed to be dead would greet his immediate neighbour and was seen mowing the lawn on Boxing Day.

JOHN WEEKES/STUFF One neighbour said the man who is believed to be deceased said hello to him while mowing the lawns on Boxing Day.

The residents spoke English and had a son aged about 6 or 7, the neighbour said, and the family had spent Christmas Day at the house.

Children's shoes were visible by the front door.

Forensic specialists in white coats were seen between the main house and a smaller building at the back of the section.

Some confused neighbours had gathered in the street as police moved between the house and a police van outside.

A police spokesperson confirmed a homicide investigation had been launched and said cordons were in place while officers conducted a scene examination.

That included speaking with a "number of individuals in relation to this tragic event".

Police were expected to remain at the scene for the rest of the day.