Police say kayaker was reckless crossing Whangarei Harbour

Whangarei Harbour from McLeod Bay Whangarei Heads was pretty rough earlier this week. PHOTO/Michael Cunningham

Northland police search and rescue senior sergeant Cliff Metcalfe says a kayaker's decision to cross Whangarei Harbour on Monday night was reckless and placed rescuers' lives at risk.

"There was already a weather warning in place for Northland with heavy rain, gale force winds and atrocious conditions on the water." Mr Metcalfe said Mark Morgan was pushed out of the harbour by a strong wind and current and was lucky to be found.

"This incident is a reminder that people need to check the weather conditions before they go out in a boat.

People also need to take some form of communication, such as a cellphone or marine radio so they can let others know if they get into trouble."