A woman is reportedly trapped down a manhole behind an apartment complex in Mount Maunganui this morning.

Emergency Rescue and Fire NZ was called to the Salisbury Crown Apartments about 8.30am.

A reporter at the scene says the woman fell into the manhole in a service lane behind the apartments.

Emergency Rescue and Fire NZ shift manager Megan Ruru says an excavator has been called for to assist in the rescue.

It's understood an ambulance has been called to the scene and firefighters are attempting to rescue the woman from the hole.

It's not yet known how the woman fell into the hole.

SunLive will bring you more information as soon as it's available.