A man is due to appear in court on Tuesday after refusing to wear a mask on a plane in New Zealand.

Police say the 30-year-old refused to comply with directions of cabin crew a number of times despite warnings, and made an inappropriate comment to staff on-board a plane.

It's been reported that the Air Chathams flight was to take off from Auckland and land in Whanganui on Sunday afternoon.

Air Chathams has established 'On-board Mandatory Controls', which include face masks for staff and passengers, reports RNZ.

A police spokesperson says the man was arrested and charged with breaching the Civil Aviation Act.

He is due to appear in the Whanganui District Court on Tuesday.