A coroner has released his report into a tragic double drowning in Wairoa.

Twenty two-year-old Sage Smith and 7-year-old Kustom Blandford were swept out to sea after getting caught in a large wave at Iwitea Beach in November 2013.

The pair were taking part in a large family gathering at a nearby marae for a wedding and two unveilings.

A group decided to go to a notorious part of the beach to only wet their feet.

Coroner Carla na Nagara found the children - aged seven, eight and nine - were happily paddling when a large wave knocked them over.

Smith managed to grab one of the children, but lost his grip on Kustom Blandford who was swept out.

The coroner said Sage drowned attempting a brave rescue of his younger relative.