Water has been restored to houses on Oceanbeach Rd after a water main broke.

The water supply was shut off at 4.50am following the break about 2.20am, the Tauranga City Council said.

House numbers 273-367 Oceanbeach Rd were without water for around five hours.

The water main broke underneath a power pole, and traffic management will remain in place for the remainder of the day while the site is cleaned up.

The council advised motorists to try to avoid this area if possible because there may be some delays.

Water has been flushed through hydrants and there should be no discolouration. 

If there is, residents have been advised to run their taps for five minutes before using.

Downer was on site from 7am to supply residents with bottled water.