Two tired and hungry kayakers were rescued from a Hawkes Bay river after failing return from a trip yesterday.

The kayakers had been dropped near the top of Tutaekuri River and were due out at the Napier end on Saturday night, but failed to arrive.

The Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter found the men today, safe and well, 5km downstream from their drop-off point.

They were tired and hungry after carrying and dragging their kayaks over rocks due to low waters level.

The men were flown back to Hawkes Bay Regional Hospital rescue helicopter base.

- APNZ