Tauranga residents may find objects left behind after a search and rescue exercise testing the response of emergency services teams

The exercise took place at Motiti Island and Papamoa Beach today -- based around a boutique cruise ship in distress.

Police say the objects will be clearly marked as being part of the scenario, and have instructions on what to do if you do find them.

This includes calling 10-5 and if possible, dropping the object into a local Police station.