Missing kayaker found in Kaituna

A search on the Kaituna River will begin this morning for a missing Rotorua woman. PHOTO/JOHN BORREN

Updated 10:58: The body of a missing kayaker has been located in the Kaituna River, near Rotorua.

She was discovered at approximately 10am by rafters and police who were searching for her in the vicinity of where she was last seen yesterday evening.

She is in the process of being recovered from the river.

No further details about the woman will be released at this stage.

Earlier: Last night Rotorua Police were advised of a missing kayaker on the Kaituna River, near Okere Falls, about 7pm.

The 26-year-old Rotorua woman was part of a group of three kayaking the lower Kaituna River, downstream of the Trout Pool, when she was separated from her companions.

Her companions noticed she was missing when she became separated form her kayak.

The alarm was raised and a number of locals began a search for her, which was carried on until dark with no success.

The Police National Dive Squad had been advised and will be arriving in Rotorua this morning to assist with the search.

Police, LandSAR volunteers, and local residents and friends of the missing woman will also be assisting with the search today.