A friend of the man missing at Whangārei Falls says he was an international student from the Philippines.
He was studying in Auckland but travelled to Whangārei for a short summer break, and was at the falls in Tikipunga for an afternoon swim.
He went under the water while swimming and failed to surface.
The Police Dive Squad had been involved with the search but had not been able to find the man, the friend said.
"We are all very affected and are now speaking to victim support," said the friend, who said he saw the man go under the water.