Kite surfer drowns at Muriwai Beach

Emergency crews are responding to a suspected downing at Muriwai Beach. Photo / Michael Craig

The death of a kite surfer at Muriwai Beach was a "sobering end" to a day out on the water, a man who was at the beach says.

The victim, a man aged in his 40s, drowned after getting into trouble about 3.50pm.

Another man who was at the beach said in a post on the New Zealand Kite Surfing Facebook page about 15 to 20 kite surfers were out on the water near where the incident happened.

When the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter arrived the man was having CPR performed on him, rescue helicopter spokesman Lincoln Davies said.

"Medical intervention was attempted but unfortunately the man died," he said.

"Sadly the man was deceased when the crew arrived."

Police said a member of the public found the man on the beach.

"It is believed he had been out kite surfing," police said.

The man's next of kin are being advised.