The police dive squad is still searching for a man last seen going into the water near Auckland's ferry terminal early yesterday.

Photo: RNZ / Jordan Bond

The police believe they know the identity of the man, who was seen talking with two other men before going into the water shortly before 4.30am.

Six officers are on the police boat Deodar, and they are working just metres away from the piers and waterfront cafes in the area.

A reporter from RNZ who has visited the scene said they appear to be putting detection equipment into the harbour.

Detective senior sergeant John De Heer said the police still want to talk to the two men seen with the missing man so they can understand what happened.

They have been speaking to other witnesses and watching CCTV footage.