Police in Auckland say the two men who drowned off the coast off Waiheke Island on Sunday morning were not wearing lifejackets.
Seven men were aboard the small fishing vessel when it capsized in the channel between Papakohatu and Waiheke Island mid-morning.
Sergeant John Saunders says the group of Pacific Island men got into trouble in rough seas when one of them - feeling sea sick - moved to the stern of the boat causing it to tip over.
All seven men fell into the sea, but the two who drowned were swept about a nautical mile away.
A passing boat raised the alarm and the other five were rescued.
Two bodies have been recovered.
Mr Saunders says the sea conditions were quite rough on Sunday morning, with gusts of 20 to 30-knot winds, and a strong incoming tide.
He also says the 4.9-metre boat was overloaded.
