Police inquiries are underway in Auckland and Christchurch this morning into three so far unexplained deaths

A homicide investigation has begun at Favona in Auckland, where a man died with critical injuries at an Abiru Crescent home just before 4am.

Officers are speaking with one person, and a scene examination is being done.

Meanwhile, Christchurch police are investigating after discovering two people dead at an Ayr Street property in Riccarton, just before 6pm last night.

Police have cordoned off a three-storey home and put up a tent in the driveway, while they search the property.