Man dies after jumping off NZ bridge

A man has died after leaping off Auckland's Harbour Bridge while fleeing from police officers.

Police said they were pursuing the man - who had been wanted for some time - after it was reported he had stolen a car and money from a woman at a North Shore home.

After leading police on a car chase to the bridge, he stopped and then leapt off, police said.

Although he was quickly picked up by a police boat and officers performed CPR, he was pronounced dead after reaching the Marine Rescue Centre.

Police say they will not release his name until his next of kin have been notified.

The bridge has since fully re-opened.