A man has been arrested 40 hours after police removed a cordon for a firearms incident in rural Whangārei.

Police put up a cordon near Pipiwai Rd, northwest of Whangārei, on Friday evening after receiving a report of a firearm.

Police have been unable to give many details around the incident but locals told Stuff that four police cars including a dog unit were seen travelling west from Ruatangata towards Pipiwai about 4pm on Friday.

A police spokesperson said the cordon was removed about 7pm on Friday night after no firearm was found.

A man was arrested about 45 kilometres east, in the Whangārei suburb of Onerahi, about 10.45am on Sunday.

The man is set to appear in the Whangārei District Court today on a threatening to kill or do grievous bodily harm charge.

Police are continuing their investigation, the spokesperson said.