Updated 11.46am: Two bar staff were robbed at gunpoint in a Northland tavern last night.

A man and woman were closing up the Homestead Tavern in Kerikeri just after 8pm when two offenders armed with a rifle and disguised with ski masks and gloves entered the building demanding cash and alcohol.

The victims were tied up and the offenders took off with the stolen items.

Police were called and a dog was used to track the offenders from the tavern to a nearby road where the trail stopped.

Northland Police's Detective Inspector Kevin Burke said it's particularly worrying for Police when brazen offenders armed with a firearm carry out this sort of crime with no regard to public safety.

Police are carrying out area inquiries and a scene examination today and urge anyone with information to come forward.