Police have arrested a 37-year-old man after a ute fled from officers in Napier before becoming stranded on a beach at Awatoto on Saturday night.

A police spokeswoman said the driver failed to stop for police in Marewa about 9pm, leading to a chase through the city, before the vehicle became stuck on the sand at Awatoto Beach.

“The sole occupant was arrested at Waitangi Park shortly before midnight,” the spokeswoman said.

The man is due to appear in Napier District Court on Tuesday on a range of driving-related charges.

The vehicle, a Toyota Hilux, was not stolen, police said.