UPDATED 5.59PM: The 'wear lifejackets' message is again being hammered home after the rescue of three men from rocks in the Far North.

The trio's overturned boat was found in Rangaunu Harbour at 6.30 this morning, five hours after a large-scale search was mounted when they were reported overdue.

The men were found on rocks nearby.

One of the men had severe hypothermia and another - several large cuts from the rocks.

None had been wearing a lifejacket.

Coastguard says it highlights the importance of doing so, saying lifejackets have never ruined a day on the water.

There was also a rescue in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf this afternoon - three people had to jump from their boat onto another nearby, fleeing a large quantity of smoke.