Bay of Plenty Civil Defence is urging people to stay out of the water and off beaches until further notice

However, it says there is no need to evacuate other areas, and flooding of land areas near the shore is not expected.

The base track around Tauranga's Mount Maunganui is closed as a precaution, to ensure public safety.

Tauranga City Council says it's due to the potential for strong and unpredictable surges following a large volcanic eruption in Tonga, as well as higher than normal swells generated by Cyclone Cody.

Signage and barriers will be in place at all closure points.

The closure will be reassessed tomorrow.