A man has died after his plane crashed near Whangarei.

A small plane with as taking off at Marsden Cove Marina but it faltered in the windy conditions, hitting the ground and bursting into flames.

It is understood the man flying solo in the plane was a manager at the marina.

Emergency services rushed to the scene but the man was unable to be saved.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says winds are gusting to 50km/h at the weather stations around Whangarei but could be as high as 80km/h in exposed places or at higher altitudes.

– NEWSTALKZB