A woman has died after jumping off Petone wharf, police say.

A witness saw the unidentified female take off her shoes and jump into the water about 1.30pm.

Inspector Paul Jermy said the witness called police immediately and a police launch set off within a minute of the call.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter staff were called in to help with the search.

The woman was pulled from the water 15-20 minutes later but CPR was unsuccessful.

Her death has been referred to the coroner.

via Stuff