Police can confirm that a fifth body has been located in the water during a search and rescue operation off North Cape.

The body has been retrieved on Tuesday afternoon by a vessel supporting the search operation.

Search efforts, led by the Rescue Coordination Centre at Maritime NZ, have now concluded.

Police extend their deepest condolences to his family and friends.

A rahui was put in place after four people died when their fishing charter sank near Cape Reinga.

The vessel, Enchanter, ran into trouble in wild weather which hammered the top of the country on Sunday night.

It is believed a wave hit the 15m vessel, breaking the bridge of the boat.

Local iwi Ngāti Kuri has put a rāhui in place for the next seven days from Tohoraha / Mount Camel to Murimotu at North Cape and 12km out to sea.

Te Rūnanga Nui O Te Aupōuri have also put a rāhui in place. Kaumātua Winiata Brown Heta Conrad and Robert Kaaka this evening established a rāhui covering from Houhora to Cape Reinga, including Parengarenga Harbour. It will be in place initially for two weeks.

Te Rūnanga Nui O Te Aupōuri chair Peter-Lucas Jones says local teams have been assisting with access to the area and providing knowledge for the search and rescue efforts.

New Zealand Defence Force along with police, coastguard and local fishing vessels have also been involved in the search.