Search-and-rescue effort for missing kayaker resumes in Wellington

Desperate searchers spent the night looking for a missing kayaker in Wellington, despite the official search being postponed at nightfall.

The operation was sparked about 3.30pm yesterday after a lone kayak was found floating in the water in Tarakena Bay, off Wellington's south coast, with freshly caught fish inside.

"Police inquiries have identified an individual who was thought to have gone kayaking this morning, who has not returned when expected," a statement said yesterday.

Shore search parties started walking around the Miramar coastline today at 7am.

But some remained searching throughout the night.

Members of the Wellington Search and Rescue team during their search for the missing kayaker along the rocky shoreline at Tarakena Bay on Wellington's South coast. Photo / Mark Mitchell

"The sea search is being undertaken by police launch Lady Elizabeth IV and the Wellington Coastguard.

"Aerial searches are being conducted by a Royal NZ Airforce NH90 helicopter and the Wellington Westpac Rescue helicopter."

The flight path taken by those involved in the search and rescue effort yesterday. Image / Facebook

Police call on public for help

Members of the public are being urged to contact police immediately if they come across any items of interest that may have a connection to the missing man.

A helicopter yesterday searched for the kayaker from the air, while Police Search and Rescue conducted land-based searches.

A helicopter is in the air searching, and Police Search and Rescue are also conducting land-based searches. Photo / Supplied

The Police boat and a Wellington Airport rescue boat also searched on the water.

So far the weather has remained fine, if windy, for the search but Metservice meteorologist Peter Little said the weather was due to deteriorate in the evening.