Queenstown police search for kayaker

Queenstown police will today continue their search for a Hungarian man who disappeared while kayaking in Lake Wakatipu on Friday.

Gellert Csaba Mudra, 41, was last seen paddling on the lake about 4.45pm Friday after hiring a kayak for one hour, Queenstown Sergeant Brian Cameron said.

The kayak was found floating with the paddle and lifejacket stowed inside about 6pm.

The kayak's interior was dry.

"Police have grave concerns for Mr Mudra given the light clothing worn and the relatively chilly conditions of the past few nights," Mr Cameron said.

Mr Mudra was described as 185cm tall, 95kg, with short grey hair and with a "middle-aged spread".

He was wearing wire rimmed glasses, a light blue polo shirt, a beige long-sleeve woollen pullover, blue jeans and beige trainers.

Mr Mudra was an experienced kayaker who moved to Queenstown with his wife 18 months ago.

Mr Cameron said police had not "excluded the possibility" that Mr Mudra walked off after beaching the kayak.

- NZPA