Patuharakeke Kaumātua have placed a rāhui at Waipu in Northland after the death of a woman at the Waipu River mouth on Saturday.

Emergency services were called at about Friday midnight after the woman's friends observed her entering the water, but not returning.

The Whangārei Coastguard, Waipu Cove Surf Life Saving Club and a rescue helicopter all undertook an initial search in the early hours of the morning, but were unable to find any sign of her.

The search resumed at about 8am and the woman was found by volunteers from Coastguard Whangārei around midday.

As a sign of respect the community has been asked to refrain from ocean-based activities in the area until 12pm, Wednesday 4 December.

The rāhui extends from the Waipu Boat Club out to the Waipu River mouth, and from Uretiti - Tip Rd to Waipu Cove extending out 5km seaward.