A man who threatened to throw himself off a pier has been found safe and well after a police search.

A friend is believed to have called police over concerns for the Chatham man's safety on Tuesday afternoon.

Aged in his 30s, he was found in Chatham near Sun Pier by police on their normal rounds in the Command House area.

The man was reported missing at about 12.25pm and was located at 1.05pm.

He has been taken into police custody for questioning and, although he suffered no injuries, is expected to be taken to hospital later.