Police say a 79-year-old man who died while fishing in his kayak at Omaha, north of Auckland, appears to have suffered a medical event.

Senior Sergeant Michael Rickards says police were alerted just before 11am, when the man had not returned from his fishing trip.

His body was found floating in the water, during a search which included the Police Eagle helicopter.

Senior Sergeant Rickards says the man was wearing a lifejacket and weather conditions were calm.

Police are supporting the man's family.

The matter has been referred to the Coroner.