The driver of a red Toyota Celica which crashed into the estuary near the Daisy Hardwick Walkway on Maxwells Road has been given a warning after he left his car unattended and the handbrake off.

The red Toyota Celica crashed on its side in the estuary.

Police were called to the crash about 11.15am on Wednesday to find the car on its side in the estuary leading into the Tauranga Harbour.

Western Bay of Plenty acting road policing manager Senior Sergeant Mike Owen says the handbrake of the vehicle had been left off, allowing the vehicle to roll 50 metres down Maxwells Road and crash down a 1.5 metre drop.

'The driver tried to start the car and it wouldn't. He took the handbrake off and tried to jump start it and then tried jumper leads but it still wouldn't start.

'He left the car to go find help, forgetting the handbrake had been taken off.”

Mike says police will not be laying charges.