Hungarian man disappears while kayaking in Queenstown

A Hungarian man has disappeared while kayaking in Queenstown.

Gellert Csaba Mudra, 41, was last seen paddling on Lake Wakatipu about 4.45pm Friday after hiring a kayak for one hour, Queenstown Sergeant Brian Cameron said.

The kayak was found floating with the paddle and lifejacket stowed inside about 6pm.

The kayak’s interior was dry.

Mr Cameron said police found no sign of Mr Mudra during shoreline searches of the Queenstown Bay and Frankton Arm areas on Friday and Saturday.

“Police have grave concerns for Mr Mudra given the light clothing worn and the relatively chilly conditions of the past few nights,” he said.

Mr Mudra was described as 185cm tall, 95kg, with short grey hair and “middle aged spread”.

He was wearing wire rimmed glasses, a light blue polo shirt, a beige long-sleeve woollen pullover, blue jeans and beige trainers.

Mr Mudra was an experienced kayaker who moved to Queenstown with his wife 18 months ago.

He had been depressed about his inability to find work.

Mr Cameron said police had not “excluded the possibility” that Mr Mudra walked off after beaching the kayak.

Anyone with information on Mr Mudra’s whereabouts should contact police immediately, he said.