An elderly woman who was trapped in a car half submerged by mud has been found safe thanks to a Northland community.

Emma Skerman was found stuck in the car on a remote four-wheel-drive-track on the Karikari peninsula just after 10 o'clock this morning.

With the help of locals, police towed the car out of the mud to free the 78-year-old, who has Alzheimer's.

Kaitaia police acting senior sergeant Glenn Taplin said the police appreciate the community's help.