Search continues for missing kayaker in Manukau Harbour
Monday 26 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 5 reports · updated In this story Coastguard, Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter
Emergency services are conducting aerial and coastline searches for a man who went missing while kayaking alone near Mill Bay. The kayaker was last seen on a blue and white kayak about 1km offshore. The search involves multiple agencies following reports that he failed to return to shore on Monday afternoon.
Key facts
4 facts
- Kayaker reported missing at 2:30pm on Monday
- Last seen on a blue and white kayak 1km offshore between Mill Bay and Manukau Heads
- Search area includes Mill Bay, Cornwallis, and the Papakura Channel
- Police ask for anyone seeing anything unusual to call 111 and quote event P068059730
The full story
1 min read · 4 outlets
A major search for a missing kayaker is continuing in Auckland's Manukau Harbour. The man was last seen on a blue and white kayak approximately 1km offshore between Mill Bay and Manukau Heads.
Emergency services were alerted at 2:30pm on Monday after a family member reported the kayaker had not returned home. The individual had set off from Mill Bay, near Cornwallis, earlier that day.
Police Maritime is leading the operation, supported by the Police Eagle helicopter, the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter, and an Auckland Airport rescue hovercraft. Volunteer crews from Coastguard Titirangi and Coastguard Waiuku also searched the harbour entrance, the West Channel, and areas towards the Papakura Channel.
Search efforts were paused at nightfall after the man was not located. On Tuesday, search efforts were expected to focus on aerial and coastline areas.
How it developed
- Tue 27 Oct, 9:13amThe search transitioned to focusing on aerial and coastline areas on Tuesday after the initial search ended at dark.
Where reports differ
- One report states the kayaker was reported missing on Sunday, while others state the report was made on Monday.
Compiled from reports by 1News, NZ Herald, Stuff and RNZ.