A shark fin (file picture). Source: 1 NEWS
A spokesperson for Surf Life Saving NZ told 1 NEWS up to three sharks swam “past the beach” and swimmers were ordered out of the water.
A lifeguard in the watchtower says it happened around 1:30pm and the beach is still closed.
The sharks were not large and swimmers should be back in the water soon barring another sighting.
The SLNZ spokesperson says sightings in the area are common and the beach being shut due to this is not uncommon.
However, tensions are heightened after a Waihi shark attack left a young woman dead on Thursday.
Three sharks spotted at popular Coromandel beach Newshub 9/01/2021
Three small sharks have been spotted at Pauanui Beach in the Coromandel.
A surf lifesaving spokesperson told Newshub the lifeguards asked all swimmers to get out of the water.
Swimmers have been advised not to panic, as keeping out of the water for an hour from the last sighting is standard procedure.
The sighting comes after 19-year-old Kaelah Marlow died on January 7 after being pulled from the water by emergency services at Waihi Beach, in what s thought to be a shark attack.
Her death has been referred to the Coroner but initial indications are that she was bitten by a shark.