One of man's best friends has been rescued from the cold waters of the Waikato River

Police were doing a routine check of a search and rescue boat on the river yesterday, when Sergeant Craig Kennedy spotted the Jack Russell clawing at a cliff face trying to get out of the water.

He says the dog was nearing exhaustion when they spotted it, but turned to swim towards their boat when they got near.

The dog has since been reunited with its owner and is safe and sound at home.