A man attempting to undertake a four-day kayaking trip had to be rescued after his kayak sank and he spent two hours in the water without a lifejacket on.
The kayaker was spotted in distress off east Auckland's Beachlands just before 7.30pm on Thursday.
The police eagle helicopter deployed, along with Auckland police maritime unit and land-based officers.
Acting Inspector Garry Larsen said the man was not wearing a lifejacket, and was "struggling to stay afloat".
"The man had been undertaking a four-day kayaking trip from Kawakawa Bay when it appears he lost his balance, capsized, and his kayak subsequently sank."
They threw him an inflatable throw stick, which he was able to use to stay afloat, Larsen said.
"We estimate he spent about two hours in the water before being rescued and was displaying obvious signs of prolonged cold-water exposure," he said.
Larsen said the man was taken to the Maraetai Boat Ramp where he was met by paramedics for assessment and treatment.
He stressed the importance of wearing a lifejacket, saying this "could have had a very different outcome".
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds including how to prepare for a super El Niño, and how a couple got stuck at the top of a ferris wheel. (Source: 1News)
SHARE ME