Tourist drowns in kayaking accident

A tourist has died after his kayak capsized at Lake Te Anau in Fiordland.

Police received a call from a Finnish female tourist at 5.20pm this evening.

She reported her male companion having capsized from his kayak in the area.

A search involving a helicoptor and two jet boats was launched.

The body of the missing kayaker was located caught in trees between Queens Reach and Rainbow Reach. The Waiau River is presently running high due to high rainfall in the area, police said.

Details of the deceased will be released when next of kin are informed.

The body has been transported to the Te Anau Medical Centre by the Fiordland Volunteer Ambulance Service.

- HERALD STAFF