The search for a kayaker missing on the Kaituna River near Rotorua has resumed.

Police divers are on their way to help search for a 17-year-old kayaker, who's gone missing in the Kaituna River in Bay of Plenty.

Police and land and water-based Search and Rescue teams searched along both the river and riverbank after the alarm was raised about 6.40pm last night.

The kayaker, who was wearing a life jacket, was last seen by a friend downstream from Okere Falls.

A police spokeswoman said the search for the boy began again at first light.

The river level is expected to be extremely low today.