A hunter is dead after being shot in the chest.

Police say the hunter died following an incident in Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park near Te Aroha.

"Police were notified at 10.15am after a hunter called emergency services advising another hunter had been shot in the chest," says a police spokesperson.

"Medical staff reached the man by helicopter but sadly he died at the scene.

"Police will be conducting enquiries on behalf of the coroner."