Earlier, a spokeswoman said: "An RNZAF P-3K2 Orion had a shutdown of one of its four engines due to a technical issue and will be landing at RNZAF Base Auckland in Whenuapai shortly."
The flightradar24 website indicated the Orion left Whenuapai, flew roughly south as far as the ocean west of Taranaki, then turned and headed back towards Auckland.
The plane's flight path as it circled the airfield. Photo / Flightradar24
The Orion earlier circled in the Hauraki Gulf to burn up fuel to reduce its weight before landing. Photo / Doug Sherring
The website indicates the plane is circling in the Hauraki Gulf.
An Air Force spokesman said this would be to use up fuel to reduce weight before landing.