A man escaped the dock at Tauranga District Court before jumping into the water at Tauranga Domain, police allege.

A police spokesman said the man made his way back to the shore about half an hour later and was arrested.

The incident happened on Tuesday afternoon.

The 40-year-old was due to reappear in court on his family harm-related charges on December 20.

The spokesman said no decisions on any further charges had been made.