Kayaker Tim Taylor has encountered lifeguards at sea during his paddle round New Zealand.

Tim is attempting the first solo continuous kayak paddle round New Zealand, and met on Tuesday with six lifeguards making the first circumnavigation of the country in inflatable rescue boats.

Tim Taylor.

The lifeguards are undertaking their voyage to celebrate the centenary of surf life saving in New Zealand.

The lifeguards, who are doing their voyage in 32 legs, encountered Tim on trip from Porpoise Bay to St Clair in Dunedin.

The lifeguards are travelling in the opposite direction to Tim, who is heading down the east coast of the South Island before crossing Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island.

Tim was described as, 'full of energy and keen for a chat,” by a Surf Life Saving New Zealand spokesperson.

Tim paddled out of Dunedin on Monday after a week ashore because of bad weather.

He was accompanied as far as St Kilda by Josh Sullivan from Otago Canoe & Kayak.

Tim continued on to Brighton Beach to complete a 56km day.

Tim Taylor is about two months into his voyage after setting out from Tauranga on November 27.