A boat owner is getting a late Christmas present after Kaikoura police officers discovered his stolen vessel.

An officer noticed the boat parked on a property in the town and became suspicious when he saw a brand new registration plate.

A different registration number was found welded to the trailer, and linked to a theft from Rolleston in September last year.

The boat is being returned to its owner and a Kaikoura resident is now being interviewed by police.