Kayaker Tim Taylor made it to Ahipara yesterday, the settlement at the southern end of Northland's Ninety Mile Beach.

He's likely to stay there for the next few days as there are strong 25 knot winds forecast today, increasing to 40 knots this evening with very rough seas.

Tim Taylor.

The New Zealand MetService is forecasting the 40 knot winds to continue overnight before easing Thursday evening to 25 knots.

Late Friday the wind is expected to swing round to the southwest and blow at 20 knots.

Today was a scheduled rest day after a long paddle from Omapere to take advantage of the weather while it remained calm.

His parents Lyn and Paul intend meeting with Tim at Ahipara to follow him round the North Cape.

Tim's within the last 1000km of an epic mission to kayak round the New Zealand coast in a single voyage. Since setting out from Tauranga on November 27, Tim has crossed Cook Strait twice, kayaked round Stewart Island and suffered the infamous Fiordland sandflies.

Cape Reinga, which is exposed to the weather from two oceans, is the last major natural obstacle before Tim heads south to return to Tauranga.