Containers and debris in the water from the wrecked Rena are a ‘dangerous' hazard with boaties in the water near the northern Tauranga Harbour entrance reporting a high collision risk.

Reporting from the SunLive boat, Sun Media director Claire Rogers says milk powder, wooden planks and broken containers in large volumes are drifting in the water close to Bowentown.

A container found half submerged at the northern entrance to Tauranga Harbour.

She says the objects are hard to navigate past as many are just below the surface.

"It really is quite dangerous."

She reports the number of boaties in the water appears less than normal.

The tide is also going out and Claire says the debris appears to be holding at sea at this stage.

Sightings of containers, debris or oiled wildlife washed ashore should phone Maritime New Zealand on 0800 333 771.

Seen containers, debris or oiled wildlife wash ashore? Phone 0800 SUNLIVE with your news tip.
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A salvage team inspects a floating container.

Damage to the floating containers is severe.

The partially submerged nature of much of the debris makes them hazardous.

Some of the floating debris is milk powder.

Wooden planks floating freely near Tauranga Harbour's northern entrance.