Police hopeful missing Kayaker will be found safe today

The Wellington Police Search and Rescue squad are to re-commence a search for a missing kayaker in the Hutt River at first light on Friday morning.

The missing man went kayaking with a friend on Thursday but got into difficulty and became separated from his kayak around 6pm on Thursday evening.

The man's companion managed to raise the alarm approximately an hour later, and the Police Search and Rescue Team was deployed to search for the missing man.

The search was abandoned due to poor light and will begin again at first light Friday morning. It is likely the Westpac Rescue helicopter will be used in the search if the conditions are favourable.

The missing kayaker is believed to be well equipped with kayaking safety equipment.