Emergency services on Wednesday morning found the body of a missing swimmer off the coast of Waipu in Northland.
The man was reported missing just after 10am in the water off Bream Bay.
Coastguard, police search and rescue, a rescue helicopter and Ruakaka Surf Club lifeguards took part in the search operation.
Police said the man's body was found in the sea just after midday. The man, who had been crab fishing, was spotted in the water by a helicopter crew, a Surf Life Saving New Zealand spokeswoman said.
The organisation would work with emergency services to establish the circumstances of the incident, the spokeswoman said.
"We acknowledge the volunteers and emergency services who were called to the scene."
A local kaumatua will bless the scene and the death will be referred to the Coroner.
