Emergency services were sent to the Waikato Falls in the Kaimanawa Forest Park after receiving a call from the member of the public about a kayaker in trouble at 10.20am.
An operation to rescue the 18 year old was launched however his body was found in the water around 12:40pm.
A rescue helicopter was also sent to the area.
Two 18 year olds had been kayaking upstream together, Shepherd said.
“Unfortunately one of them has not come out of the water.”
“It’s terribly, terribly sad. Two young fellas just trying to enjoy themselves.”
Efforts by police and the LandSAR Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Organisation to retrieve the body are under way.
Source: NZ Herald
Image: On File at NZ Herald
