Authorities are not sure how to remove a ute found submerged in the Tauranga Harbour halfway between two islands on Sunday.
It appears the ute was caught by a rising tide while being driven from Matakana Island and Rangiwaea Island.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council senior compliance officer John Morris said the ute was found halfway between the islands.
"My guess on how it got there is someone was trying to get from Rangiwaea to Matakana."
He said removing the ute was "not going to be easy".