Tauranga kayaker Tim Taylor who embarked on a world record attempt from Mount Maunganui this morning has nearly arrived at Whangamata.
Mr Taylor, 28, is attempting to paddle 220km on a solo return expedition between Tauranga and Opito Bay in the Coromandel.
Mr Taylor originally planned to complete a gruelling 220km solo kayaking expedition, departing from Omaha Beach, north of Auckland, to paddle south to Tauranga but was thwarted by poor weather conditions.
![Tim Taylor as he leaves Pilot Bay this morning. Photo/Nevan Lancaster](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/MQMOEMQD6JP4L6JRMPWME3ESQA.jpg?auth=d17d9dd0d5198376ccd68e9794452d0f0c8e94d16cda48156e923d8cb59e8ff3&width=16&height=9&quality=70&smart=true)
The fishing guide and solo New Zealand kayaker left Pilot Bay at 8am today instead, heading north to take advantage of expected southwest winds.