Armed police will be involved in a training exercise in Tauranga on Wednesday, with the public advised not to be alarmed.

Tauranga police will carry out the search and rescue exercise off Rangiwaea Island between 9am and 4pm, both in the water and along the shore.

The training will also involve Coastguard Tauranga, Aerocool Rescue Helicopter, Tauranga Harbourmaster, Hato Hone St John and Fisheries New Zealand.

Police told SunLive the public could expect to see increased emergency activity in the area, including armed police staff.

The scenario was designed to feel as realistic as possible.

Police said there was no threat to the public.

The training was part of routine preparation, aimed at ensuring agencies could respond quickly and effectively to real-life emergencies on the harbour.

Police thanked the community for its understanding and advised anyone in the area not to be alarmed by the heightened activity.