The Waikato Regional Council is monitoring the eastern seaboard of the Coromandel Peninsula for signs of oil.

Oil from the stranded cargo ship Rena has tainted beaches in the Bay of Plenty and has reached the East Cape.

Papamoa Beach at the height of the oil slick washing up there.

The Waikato Regional Council says there is no imminent threat to the local coastline, but this will depend on weather conditions.

People are asked to report any sightings of oil on beaches to 0800 645 774.

The council says Maritime New Zealand aerial surveillance of the oil spill is extending north of Tauranga to include Whangamata.

A public health warning is in place and no shellfish or fin fish should be eaten from waters with visible oil contamination.