UPDATE: Body found on lake (+ video)

The body of a man who went kayaking yesterday has been pulled from Lake Rotorua.

About four family members were standing on the shores of the lake when the Coastguard arrived at Sulphur Point with the body.

The Coastguard boat arrived about 5.45pm and hugs were exchanged between family members before the body was transferred ashore.

Rotorua police officer Constable Colin Fraser said the man left Beaumont Rd at Ngongotaha about 3pm yesterday planning to kayak across Lake Rotorua to a marae on the shore by the Whakatane turnoff.

He said the man's partner drove around to the other side to wait for him, but he never arrived as planned.

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Mr Fraser said the man was reported missing about 5pm yesterday.

Coastguard, the Harbourmaster and Search and Rescue did a search of the lake last night until dark.

Mr Fraser said Coastguard and the Harbourmaster both had two vessels out.

He said there were inquiries this morning and the search was continued in the afternoon.

Mr Fraser said the man's body was found this afternoon about 1.5km from the Ohau Channel, near Marama Point.

The incident would be referred to the coroner, he said.

Police were called about 4pm after the man's body was spotted by a member of the public, a statement from the New Zealand Police media team said.