A man has survived more than an hour in Lake Taupō without a lifejacket after his boat caught fire near Kinloch on Sunday evening.

Police were alerted around 6:45pm after residents reported a boat ablaze on the lake. Fire and Emergency crews from Kinloch arrived to find the vessel fully engulfed and the sole occupant missing.

A search-and-rescue operation followed, involving helicopters, Coastguard Lake Taupō and the Harbour Master. A helicopter crew spotted the man about a kilometre from the scene and dropped a lifering. He was picked up by another vessel and transferred to Coastguard’s Taupō Rescue boat, then taken back to Kinloch and treated for minor injuries.

Police say the outcome could have been very different and are urging people to prepare properly before heading out on the water. Senior Constable Barry Shepherd’s advice: wear a lifejacket at all times, carry two forms of communication, tell someone your plans, and take extra care if you’re going alone.

Police also reminded boaties to follow the Lake Taupō Navigation Safety Bylaw 2020. Shepherd said officers continue to see people letting under-15s drive boats, exceeding speed limits and not wearing lifejackets. Breaches are likely to result in enforcement action.

Tuwharetoa Māori Trust Board chief executive Rakeipoho Taiaroa thanked responders and said the iwi was relieved the man was found in time. He urged lake users to be prepared for quickly changing conditions and to ensure boats and safety gear are ready for all weather.

It’s not yet clear how the fire started. Police advise calling 111 in an emergency.