NZDF/SUPPLIED
Aerial observation photos of Three Kings Islands taken by the NZDF, on Tuesday, showed oil was not visible in aerial photographs.
Wildlife near a group of island off the Northland coast are "fit and healthy" with no sign of oil after reports of a spill.
Investigations into a possible oil spill near Three Kings Islands have been ongoing since July 1, after a fishing boat operator reported seeing oil on fishing gear and a small number of seabirds.
But Maritime NZ confirmed no oil could be seen in the area after a flight over the islands, which are about 55km northwest or Cape Reigna.
The flight on Saturday had three trained observers on board, and made a "thorough scan" of all the islands in the Three Kings group, including taking aerial images.
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It was the first time the islands were able to be reached since Tuesday due to bad weather.
Maritime NZ Incident Controller Bruce Barton said although the report of the spill contained limited details, the team took all reports of oil very seriously.
"No oil was seen on the water or along the shoreline. For the last few days the area has been subject to significant winds and swell, which would have naturally dispersed any oil," he said.
"No oiled wildlife was seen by the observers. Instead, the creatures identified were notably fit and healthy."
Barton said unless there were further reports, Maritime NZ's response would be scaled back.
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