Searchers looking for three people missing off the New Plymouth coast since last Wednesday say items belonging to one of them have been spotted.
Spotswood College students Stephen Kahukaka-Gedye and Felipe Melo were swept into the sea while on a rock-climbing trip on Paritutu Rock near New Plymouth last week.
Instructor Bryce Jourdain who jumped into the sea in an attempt to save them is also still missing.
The search and rescue co-ordinator, Sergeant Andrew Ross, says a backpack, rope and another item believed to belong to Mr Jourdain have been spotted.
He says searchers will wait for low tide to try and recover the items, which are snagged on rocks.
Meanwhile, the search is continuing along the coast but with fewer searchers taking part.
