Three kayakers have been rescued after being blown off course off the coast of Whangamata

Police were alerted of three people who couldn't make it back to shore near Donut Island just after 8.30 this morning.

Differing currents had separated them over one nautical mile away from each other, and over five nautical miles off-shore.

All have since been recovered following a multi-agency response, including a local resident who helped search with a private helicopter.

Police say high winds were forecast today, which likely contributed to the incident. 10-12-24 1508