Mangroves on the coast near Kaiaua. Photo:
A large scale search is underway in the Firth of Thames, after a kayaker did not return home last night.
Police said the man set out about 3pm on Saturday from Kaiaua, east of Pōkeno, and he had planned to head for nearby mussel farms to fish.
But the man was reported missing by his family last night when he did not return.
The Coastguard, Police Eagle helicopter and Maritime Unit began scouring the area last night. An aeroplane joined the efforts today.
The man's kayak and fishing gear were found early this morning, about 5km east of Orere Point, which sits about 19km north of Kaiaua, inside the Auckland Region.
Police said they would like to hear from anyone who might have seen anything in that area that could provide information to help with their search, by calling 111.