KEY POINTS:
An inquest has begun in Invercargill into the death of Australian adventurer Andrew McAuley, who died while trying to kayak across the Tasman in February.
Mr McAuley, 39, was attempting to be the first person to kayak solo across the Tasman Sea.
But on February 9, within sight of New Zealand, the Australian released a garbled distress call.
His empty kayak was found the next day but his body was never recovered.
An inquest into Mr McAuley's death began in Tasmania before Coroner Stephen Carey in March but was adjourned to give New Zealand authorities a chance to investigate the death.
In June, New Zealand Coroner Trevor Savage recommended an inquest proceed.
Mr Savage said Mr McAuley's death was a matter of considerable public interest and that it made sense to hold the inquest in New Zealand, where police and rescuers already had gathered much information.
Family spokeswoman Jen Peedom confirmed Mr McAuley's family had yesterday flown to New Zealand to attend the inquest.
- AAP
