A waterspout came out of the sea at Mount Maunganui before the finger cloud withdrew back into the cloud base this afternoon.

The waterspout, a marine tornado, was photographed before disappearing at about 3.30pm. There have been no reports of damage.

Photo sent to SunLive.co.nz by Melanie Palmer.

A delivery driver with Greerton Super Liquor says there was more than one.

'I just dropped off a delivery at Two Small Fish and we were watching it over the ocean,” says TJ. 'There were a few of them.”

Photo sent to SunLive.co.nz by Simon Snaith.

Steve Glover saw the waterspout fade over Mauao.

'Probably about where the Zespri building is,” says Steve.

'I'm pretty sure it didn't touch the ground.

'It was like a finger coming out of the cloud.”

The sight would also have been enjoyed by those taking part in the Rotary regatta on the harbour this afternoon, says Steve.

Photo sent to SunLive.co.nz by Simon Snaith.

Photo sent to SunLive.co.nz by Simon Barker.

Photo sent to SunLive.co.nz by Simon Barker.