Rogue adventurers include a Kiwi

New Zealand is keeping its distance from the detaining of a group of rogue adventurers, including a Kiwi.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed Norwegian Jarle Andhoey and his crew have been intercepted by the Chilean Navy onboard their yacht the Nilaya.

They've been escorted to Puerto Williams in Chile and have had their sailing permit suspended.

The group was in New Zealand waters three months ago on their way to a trip to Antarctica they had no official permission for.

An MFAT spokesperson says Chilean authorities are aware of New Zealand's concerns about the unauthorised expedition.

Our embassy in Chile is on standby to provide consular assistance to the New Zealander on board.

Our Government says it did raise concerns with Chile over the actions of Norwegian sailor Jarle Andhoey and his recent unauthorised trip to the Antarctic but has not asked they be arrested.

The Chilean Navy's intercepted and detained Mr Andhoey's yacht, the Nilaya, claiming it was at the request of the New Zealand Government.

However Foreign Minister Murray McCully's office says no request was made for the Milaya's crew to be arrested and it's their understanding the crew hasn't been.

The Minister's office says they did make Chilean authorities aware of their concerns about the Nilaya's voyage and they appreciate Chile's efforts in searching the vessel for information concerning its Antarctic trip.

Photo: Getty Images