Woman dies after boat flips in festive season's fourth water tragedy

A person is believed to have died after a boat flipped in Houhora, above, in the Far North, today.

A woman has died in the Far North after a boat capsized, spilling her and two others into the water.

The woman, in her 60s, died at the scene at Houhora Harbour's east beach, while two others received minor injuries, police said.

Emergency services were called to the incident at 11.15am.

The woman's death is the fourth water tragedy so far this festive season.

Her next of kin have been notified and the death will be referred to the Coroner.

St John said officers treated the two patients with minor injuries at the scene, and they did not require hospitalisation.

Police said their thoughts were with the woman's family at this time.

Police, Coastguard and St John all attended the incident.

Houhora, where a boat flipped this morning, sparking a rescue operation.

The boating death comes after a male crabber was swept away in Bream Bay on Christmas Day about 10.10am and died in the water.

Ruakākā's Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) recovered the body about midday after a comprehensive water search with Northland Rescue Helicopter.

The second Christmas Day drowning involved a snorkeller at Kai Iwi Lakes about 3pm.

A third death took place on Boxing Day when a man was swept out to sea in a rip on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Surf Life Saving northern region chief executive Matt Williams advised people to be ready and prepared when visiting and enjoying the beach this summer.

"Recreational activities like crab and rock fishing are high-risk and the consequences can be fatal."

Williams said northern region lifeguards have been busy managing a range of incidents in different locations, working tirelessly to keep the public safe.

"If you're rock fishing, the most important thing to remember is to wear a lifejacket at all times. If you are going out swimming, choose a lifeguard-patrolled beach and stay in between the flags. It's these decisions that will help keep you and your family safe these holidays," he said.