Body confirmed as Emma Campbell

Emma Campbell. Photo / Supplied

The body found in the Port Hills of Christchurch last week has been confirmed to be missing Christchurch woman Emma Campbell.

Dental records were used to confirm the remains as those of Ms Campbell, 29, who went missing in the area near Christchurch in 2010 and an exhaustive search by police and her family and friends failed to find her. Police today confirmed the identification.

"This now brings some finality for her family," said Detective Senior Sergeant John Rae in a statement.

In a brief statement yesterday, family friend and spokesman Mike Wright said the family wished to express their thanks to the police, friends and the wider community for their "incredible generosity and support" over the past two years.

"Emma's family are both saddened by and grateful for the news," he said.

"The family request that their privacy be respected at this difficult time."

Ms Campbell went missing after her car ran off the road into thick scrub in the Port Hills early on May 1, 2010.

Police said the crash was more likely staged than an accident.

At the time, Ms Campbell's sneakers were found between her car and a walking track below.

It was about 5.20am on the day she went missing that Ms Campbell was heard driving away from her Bryndwr flat.

She often went away on trips, but never without her toothbrush and floss. On this occasion they were left in the bathroom.

Ten minutes later and about 4km away, Ms Campbell stopped and bought petrol from a Shell station.

Images on security cameras show her smiling, but with shaky hands, as she paid the $30 bill.