Maritime teams are responding to an incident in Tauranga Harbour.

"There is a suspected diesel spill in Tauranga Harbour, north of Sulphur Point and around Waikorire Pilot Bay," says a Bay of Plenty Regional Council spokesperson.

"Our maritime and compliance teams are actively responding to the incident, and clean-up efforts are underway."

The council says it is hard to tell how much diesel they are dealing with.

"Initial estimates are less than 100L of diesel at this stage.

The public is being asked to stay away from the area, particularly around Pilot Bay where the beach has been coned off by council staff.

"For your safety and to aid in the clean-up process, please avoid the shoreline at Waikorire Pilot Bay, until the clean-up is completed," says a spokesperson.

"We appreciate your cooperation."

The public are being warned to stay clear of the shoreline in Pilot Bay, while the Oil Spill Response team complete a clean-up, following a suspected diesel spill. Photo: Kay Abernethy.