A search is underway for a boat on Lake Wakatipu in Otago following reports of a distress call.

Southern police communications Shift Inspector Rick Jury said: "We have a search going on as a result of a report by a member of the public that they heard a distress call on the radio channel."

Mr Jury said Coastguard, a police team and a helicopter were now all involved in the search.

Police were called to the scene at 4.30pm.

Search teams have yet to find any signs of a boat.