A kayaker is missing after an incident on Lake Coleridge in Canterbury on Saturday, but it is not known if a search and rescue operation is still underway.
Radio New Zealand understands the missing man is a 20-year-old army trainee, who was not wearing a life jacket when his kayak overturned.
A St John ambulance spokesperson said it was called by the police late on Saturday afternoon, and a rescue helicopter was sent to the lake.
However the kayaker was not located.
The police would not confirm any details other than to say there was a search and rescue operation at Lake Coleridge on Saturday.
