Transtasman kayaker Scott Donaldson's family is on standby as he completes his arduous three-month solo journey.
The New Plymouth community is preparing a beachfront welcome, but will wait for confirmation before setting up a marquee.
The kayaker had hoped to make landfall last night but strong winds off the Taranaki coastline delayed his arrival - and MetService say winds are not expected to let up any time soon.
Mr Donaldson, 34, departed from Coffs Harbour in Sydney on April 19, intending to paddle more than 2000km. If successful, he will be the first person to kayak solo across the Tasman Sea.
Helicopter pilot John Funnell, who has made three supply drops to Mr Donaldson, said it was now looking likely he would arrive tonight or tomorrow morning at the earliest.