A search is underway for a kayaker missing off the Wellington coast.
Police said 23-year-old Jack Skellett was reported overdue to return from a kayaking trip about 10pm on Monday.
Skellett left Petone Beach on Monday morning and apparently intended to kayak around Matiu/Somes Island and back to Petone.
Search and rescue teams are now looking for Skellett - focusing on the area between Days Bay and Baring Head.
"Mr Skellett's unoccupied vehicle was located in the carpark next to Petone Wharf," police said in a statement on Tuesday.
"There was a likely sighting of him kayaking around the south end of Matiu-Soames Island between 1 and 2pm yesterday afternoon reported by a boatie.
"A blue kayak... without the paddle, believed to be Mr Skellett's, was located and recovered by search teams on the Pencarrow coastline, just north of Hinds Point, in the early hours of this morning."
Police said Skellett was wearing a faded yellow and beige coloured life jacked, and the public is being asked to come forward with any information that might help locate him.
"If you can help with any sightings or relevant information, please get in touch with Wellington police on 105."
