A swimmer has died after getting into trouble in the water at a Coromandel beach on Wednesday morning.
Another remains missing and one is in a critical condition after being pulled from the water. Four others are in a minor-to-moderate condition.
Emergency services responded to reports of a group of seven people in trouble at Opoutere Beach, north of Whangamatā, at about 11:30am.
In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, police confirmed six people had been pulled from the water. One was unable to be revived, one was in a critical condition and four were in a minor-to-moderate condition.
"A search is ongoing for the missing person, and will be assisted by a fixed-wing aircraft later this afternoon."
A Hato Hone St John ambulance spokesperson said: "Three helicopters, three ambulances and two managers responded to the scene and treated seven patients.
"The patient in a critical condition has been airlifted to Waikato Hospital and the one in a moderate condition is being transported by road to Thames Hospital."
It comes after a man drowned at nearby Whangamatā on Tuesday evening.
Surf lifesavers have been advising the public to avoid east coast swells and only swim at patrolled beaches.
