Two boaties, rescued off Northland's east coast, drew on knowledge they'd gleaned from rescue shows

The pair set off from Mangawhai early yesterday morning for the Hen and Chickens Islands ... the alarm was raised when they failed to return.

The police Eagle helicopter spotted them about 9pm and a police officer and Coastguard volunteer rescued them about an hour later.

Coastguard says they tried to row back to Mangawhai after their boat had fuel problems, but realised that wasn't going to work because of the conditions.

Rescue Vessel Skipper Jo Norgrove says having watched a lot of rescue shows, they knew they needed to stick together, stay warm and await a rescue.

She says they lit a small fire so were able to keep warm and attract the attention of rescuers.