A body found on an east Auckland beach is believed to be that of a missing kayaker, police reveal.
A search was sparked in the Firth of Thames after the kayaker failed to return home on November 5.
The kayaker set out from Kaiaua at around 3pm with the intention of fishing at the mussel farms. He did not return as expected and was reported missing by his family later that evening.
On the following morning, the man's kayak and fishing gear were found around three miles east of Orere Point.
A body was found washed up near Beachlands on Saturday.
The formal identification process remains ongoing but a police spokesperson said they can now advise that they believe the body to be that of the kayaker.
At this stage, police are not able to release the identity of the person found while formal identification procedures are completed.
The matter will be referred to the Coroner.
