Teen dies after jumping from cliff into Waikato River

The Waikato River. File photo / Christine Cornege

A teenage boy has died after jumping from a cliff into the Waikato River today.

The teenager failed to surface after jumping into the river by Taupo's Unison Park, shortly before 4pm.

The area was popular with swimmers, but had a strong current, police said.

A search and rescue operation was launched, involving all available police, the Taupo Harbourmaster and the Taupo Rescue Helicopter.

About half an hour later the body of the boy was found.

The Police National Dive Squad in Wellington will be required to safely recover the boy.

Police were liaising with the boy's family.

No further details about him or the circumstances that led to this tragedy were available yet, police said.