The New Zealand Defence Force's bomb disposal team was called in after explosive gel was found at a property in rural Northland this afternoon.

Police say they were called to a house in Tangiterōria around 2pm after the homeowner located gelignite.

Officers isolated the area before calling in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to "safely remove the gelignite for disposal", a police spokesperson told 1News.

"If anyone comes across similar substances or unexploded ordinance, please contact police as soon as possible."

The explosive material – also known as blasting gelatin or jelly – is typically used in mining and demolition as a more stable alternative to dynamite.