Pacific Beach in Napier closes due to 'extreme sea conditions'

Pacific Beach on Marine Parade in Napier has been closed on Tuesday due to "extreme sea conditions", police say.

Police said Harding Road Beach in the suburb of Ahuriri was also considered dangerous and should also be avoided.

Two-metre waves were breaking on to a shingle beach, they said.

Napier Port Hill Beach, also known as Port Sandy Beach, by Mataruahou or Napier Hill, is open for swimming.

Police said conditions would be reviewed tomorrow morning.

Napier City Council earlier warned residents on its Facebook page to be aware of the dangers of the beach.

"Under the surface there is a steep drop-off, strong undertow and unpredictable waves. The stones on the water's edge can also be unstable under foot, and it is very easy to be knocked off your feet."

MetService said most of the North Island was cloud-free today, except for northern Hawke's Bay and Gisborne.

The forecast indicates southerlies may develop over the next two days, with some rain expected for parts of Hawke's Bay.

Water Safety New Zealand is also urging people to keep safety at the forefront of their minds when they swim after three separate water-related deaths today.

RNZ