The tsunami gauges off the coast of Tauranga have recorded wave activity of about 0.3 metres for the first time.
Hundreds of Tauranga residents have evacuated to the elevated slopes of Mauao as the region braces for a tsunami.
The restaurants and cafes along Marine Parade are full with patrons and grass areas near the beach are also packed with people but the beaches remain deserted.
The Civil Defence Emergency Group is warning that a tsunami is not just one wave but a series of waves that progressively get bigger.


People seeking refuge on the slops of Mauao. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

No evacuation warning has been issued for Mount Maunganui or Papamoa but there are reports that a number of Papamoa residents are leaving the area after hearing sirens.
The first stages of a tsunami were expected to reach Mount Maunganui just after 9am and there are reports that coastal water near Gisborne is beginning to recede, which is typically a precursor to a tsunami.
A 1.5 metre wave has been recorded at Pitt Island near the Chatham Islands and wave activity is being recorded on the East Cape.
A second wave, measuring 0.5 metres, has been recorded by the tsunami gauges at the Chatham Islands at 8.40am.
The first 0.2 metre wave was recorded by the gauges at about 7.35am.
The Civil Defence Emergency Group is warning that these waves are only the first being recorded and larger waves may follow over a period of several hours.

Below pictures taken from Mount Maunganui webcams on Sunday morning - provided by Internet Service Provider EOL.