A missing sailor has been found safe and well off East Cape, after concerns were raised for his safety.
The skipper, described as inexperienced, had set off alone from Napier, sailing towards Auckland, and had promised to call a friend every day.
He made a call on Friday night but had not been heard from since.
The 20-year-old was spotted aboard the 6.7-metre Luna at Anaura Bay on Monday, when the sailor waved to an aircraft sent to look for him.
He was found at around 2:40pm on Thursday, by a Royal New Zealand Air Force helicopter.
The yacht appears to be undamaged and the skipper unharmed, Maritime NZ says.
Search and rescue mission co-ordinator Mike Roberts says while they're glad he's okay, it has been a "frustrating endeavour".
"The skipper is inexperienced, left a vague trip plan, and seems to have had no working communications equipment since Friday last week," he says.
"Even when two search aircraft located him he was unable to communicate his intentions or report on his condition."
Weather in the area was poor, with 30 knot winds, rain and low cloud expected late on Thursday.
It is believed the yacht had a VHF radio and the skipper had a cellphone, but there was no record of a distress beacon on board.
Mr Roberts says all boaties should take at least two forms of communication that will work when wet and recommends a registered distress beacon also.
"If we don't know where you are going and you cannot call, then you cannot be rescued if you get into trouble."
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