A diver has died off the south coast of Wellington today.

The man, in his 40s, went missing while diving with three others in Lyall Bay.

Senior Sergeant Grant Mumby said emergency services were called shortly before 5, and a police boat tried to find the man.

An airport vessel and the Westpac rescue helicopter also went to the scene.

The diver was found just before 5.30, but was unresponsive to resuscitation efforts.and was pronounced dead a short time later.