Oraka-Aparima Runaka has put a rahui restriction on recreational fishing on Lake Hauroko following the recent death of a woman and disappearance of a man on the lake.

The restriction covers the whole of Lake Hauroko, which also includes the Wairaurahiri River from the lake mouth to where it meets the sea.

According to the runaka's Facebook page, the rahui acknowledges "the recent, tragic loss of life in our lake" and will stay in effect until July 7.

Police sergeant Ian Martin said it is believed the two people, understood to have been a man and a woman in their 60s from Christchurch, went on the lake on May 26. 

They were reported missing on May 31 and police initiated a search the day after.

That day the body of a woman was located about 2.5 km north of Teal Bay Hut on the east side of the south arm of Lake Hauroko. 

However the other person believed to be on the boat has not been found, nor has the boat itself. 

Poor weather conditions have hindered the search efforts. 

Last Wednesday's search, the last one to take place, was suspended for the day due to poor conditions.

Mr Martin said the lake was also 400mm higher on the first day of the search than what it was on May 26.

"We hope the lake level will drop by next week, which would help with the search."

The Police National Dive Squad had been consulted and may come down next week to search.

Last week police asked that anyone in the area who located any debris to record its location via GPS, if you have the capability, as well as photograph it, and get in touch with police.

These items could then be checked by the search team once weather improves.