A spate of rescues and drownings at northern beaches has led to a warning for holidaymakers, especially those after crabs.
Police said international student Heng Li, who was 25, drowned in the surf at Uretiti Beach while crabbing on Christmas Day.
Senior Sergeant Daniel Cleaver said there had been other near-misses along Uretiti Beach and the surf rescue crew has been very busy.
"We had a 75-year-old Chinese man last night get into trouble hear and was pulled out by members of the public unconscious, floating face down in the water."
Mr Cleaver said weather events have changed the conditions at Uretiti Beach and, while the surf may not look too big, there was a strong undertow.
