New search for swimmer missing off Auckland's Bethells Beach

A second search has been carried out at daybreak for a man missing off O'Neills Bay on Auckland's west coast.

Northern Region Surf Life Saving manager David Butt said searchers were out at first light around the bay at the north of Bethells Beach but found no sign of the missing man.

"We have done our first sweep this morning and are likely to do a more extensive search when the tide is right which will be about 10am-11am," he said.

He said the chances of finding the man alive were narrowing.

"We always like to give people as much time as possible but, given the rugged West Coast conditions, the chances aren't great," he said.

Emergency services were called to O'Neills Bay just before 3.30pm last night when a man was reported missing.

A search was carried out by by four lifesaving boats, a Westpac Rescue Helicopter and the Eagle police helicopter, but the search was called off when conditions became too dangerous for rescuers.

It is understood friends and family of the man were waiting at the beach for further information.

Last month, a mother and her two teenage sons were rescued by a group of young surfers after being caught in a rip at Bethells.

Six people have drowned in New Zealand water this year.

During the holiday period seven people died.

The toll, which was two more than last year's, was a "huge disappointment", Water Safety New Zealand said.

"Anything other than zero would have been a disappointing result," Water Safety chief executive Matt Claridge said.