Norwegian adventurer accidentally kidnaps Kiwi on way to South Pole

The unnamed marine mechanic was allegedly working on the 52 ft Nilaya yacht's anchor when New Zealand immigration officials arrived at the harbour intent on ordering skipper Jarle Andhoy out of the country.

Andhoy's New Zealand visa had been cancelled after it was revealed he had been deported from Canada; the authority's efforts to remove him forced Andhoy to set off from Auckland earlier, and much quicker, than he had planned, accidentally taking the repairman with him.

Andhoy aims to make a second attempt at sailing to Antarctica to recover the lost remains of his first yacht, Berserk II, which sank and killed three men in 2011 while Andhoy and a friend tried to reach the South Pole on quad bikes.

Andhoy, who refers to himself as a 'Viking', and his friend needed airlifting to safety by the New Zealand authorities, who hadn't permitted the trip in the first place.

The authorities are even less pleased about the current journey; New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully said "it's fair to say the actions of the skipper are of some concern to the New Zealand government and have been for some time."

"The Southern Ocean is one of the most remote and inhospitable areas in the world. New Zealand government agencies are obviously concerned about any possibility that there could be a repeat of last year's events in the Ross Sea."

New Zealand authorities are reportedly trying to locate the Nilaya but New Zealand Prime Minister admitted there was no plan to intervene to rescue the marine mechanic, who is unlikely to have adequate clothing or food supplies to last the trip.

Andhoy admitted to the Norwegian public broadcasting service NRK that having the Kiwi on board was "a somewhat tricky situation" but that "everything is on schedule and the atmosphere is good on board."

"We are well prepared for what may befall us."

Norwegian media estimated that it would be at least another week before the Nilaya reaches the Antarctic.