Police have launched a homicide investigation after two people were found dead at a Ruatiti property near Whanganui National Park.

Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett said the victims were located by police at a rural property yesterday afternoon.

A scene examination will begin today and is expected to take several days.

Bennett said a post-mortem and formal identification procedures will be carried out in the coming days.

He said there will be a heightened police presence in the area as the investigation progresses.

Police said they would like to hear from anyone in the Ruatiti area who has information about the incident.

Bennett said further information will be released when it becomes available.