Transtasman kayaker Scott Donaldson is expected to reach New Zealand shore this Sunday, if the weather forecast develops as predicted.
Donaldson, 44, has been at sea since April and will be the first person to kayak solo across the Tasman Sea.
He and his family - wife Sarah and son Zac, 4, are from Rotorua.
Following strong easterly winds Donaldson this morning was reported to have drifted a further 3.3 nautical miles - 6km - to the south west in the 12 hours to 7.30am.
He is currently 38 nautical miles - 70km - from the Taranaki coast line and 90km from Port Taranaki.
He expects to start paddling on Saturday, which would mean a Sunday arrival if the sea and weather conditions forecasted by weather guru Bob McDavitt develop as predicted.