Surfers and beachgoers can expect surprises to start washing up north of New Plymouth today

As part of a search and rescue training operation, items were purposely placed in the water by police yesterday, and are expected to start appearing throughout the Whitecliffs area

Six organisations are taking part in the exercise including Taranaki Police, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand and Land Search and Rescue.

Members of the public are asked not move the washed up items, to ensure the scenario is as realistic as possible.