A kayak which was abandoned 18 months ago during a trans-Tasman crossing attempt has washed up on Auckland's Muriwai Beach.
Nathan Marshall stumbled across the kayak while taking his dogs for a run this morning.
"When I first saw it I was sceptical, as I thought I was going to find a body in it."
Mr Marshall quickly realised that wasn't the case, and posted images to a Muriwai community group on Facebook questioning who the kayak may belong to.
As there are stickers on the kayak, someone quickly clicked it belongs to Stuart Cleary, who tried to cross the Tasman in it in December 2014.
Mr Cleary, 52, had to abandon the kayak 110km out from Coffs Harbour after it took on water. He was trying to kayak solo from Australia to New Zealand.
Mr Marshall has been in touch with Cleary and says he is completely shocked the kayak washed up after 18 months.
"Wow! Holy Smoke! I was woken up to amazing news," Mr Cleary posted on Facebook. "I'm amazed the kayak was able to withstand the force of Tasman storms for that time. I was only telling my wife the other day that I would like to try again as it feels like an unfinished project."
Stuart Cleary didn't think the kayak would survive the Tasman Sea (Nathan Marshall/Facebook)
Mr Marshall says he's happy to store the kayak on his property as Mr Cleary is planning to make the trip to New Zealand to see it for himself.
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