An Auckland surfer's lucky to be alive, after drifting more than a kilometre off Piha Beach - caught in a rip and in complete darkness

A man called Police on Tuesday night, after his brother was washed out north of Lion Rock.

After searching for an hour, the Eagle helicopter found the 21-year old waving for help.

It spotlit the water to guide Surf Lifesavers to retrieve him, battling two-to-three-metre waves.

He was taken to hospital hypothermic but conscious - and has since been discharged.