A person has been rescued from a burning boat near the shoreline at Auckland's Waiheke Island.

The police launch Deodar was involved in putting out the fire on the boat.

A police spokeswoman said a person had been taken to hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

The person was suffering from smoke inhalation.

"Police were informed around 7am this morning of a fire on board a boat in Hauraki Gulf about 40 metres from the beach at Hooks Bay."

"At least five people are reported to have been on board the boat and have evacuated the craft. All were wearing life-jackets.

"Emergency services are in attendance, including Deodar, the Auckland Maritime Unit."

The fire was thought to have been in the engine room, the spokeswoman said.

The helicopter rescue service said the people on the boat had got themselves off the burning vessel.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman earlier said his team were on their way to a fire but he couldn't confirm details of the blaze.