A Zimbabwean tourist is feared dead after being swept out to sea at Mount Maunganui on Friday evening.

Police called off the sea search due to poor light and are combing the beach overnight.

The young man was swimming at the Tay Street beach at the Mount Maunganui when he got into trouble.

Swimmers tried to save him but to no avail.

Police have notified the young man's family in Zimbabwe who are said to be devastated.

And there have been two near drownings in the sea near Christchurch.

A rescue operation took place off the South Brighton Spit just after 5pm on Friday.

Police say two people fishing off the spit were swept out to sea by the tide.

The Sumner Life Boat managed to locate the pair.

One person is reported safe while the second was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital in a serious condition.