At about 7pm Rotorua Police were advised of a missing kayaker on the Kaituna River, near Okere Falls.
The 26-year-old Rotorua woman was part of a group of three kayaking the lower Kaituna River, downstream of the Trout Pool, when she was separated from her companions.
They were alerted to this when they noticed she was missing from her kayak. The alarm was raised and a number of locals began a search for her. This has carried on until dark with no success.
The Police National Dive Squad have been advised and will be arriving in Rotorua in the morning to assist with the search.
Police, LandSAR volunteers, and local residents and friends of the missing woman will also be assisting with the search in the morning.