A group of tourists from a cruise ship have been rescued while kayaking in Wellington harbour, after wind scattered them across the main shipping channel.
The kayakers were blown into Wellington's shipping lanes. (File photo.) Photo: 123RF
One elderly person is being treated for mild hypothermia following the rescue.
Police said the eight tourists - who were passengers on the cruise ship Noordam - were on a guided return trip to Matiu/Somes Island.
The reached the island safely, but had to battle a strong head wind as they returned.
A DOC ranger called the police because he was concerned about the conditions they were heading into.
An elderly man and woman were pulled from the water by the police, one with mild hypothermia, and the other six members of the group came ashore on the Miramar Peninsula.
Some capsized as they neared the shore, but none required medical treatment.
The incident has been referred to Maritime New Zealand.
