Members of a search and rescue team looking for missing Polish tramper Jacek Grzybowski have found a body trapped in a stream log jam in the Rimutaka Forest Park.
Senior Sergeant Murray Johnston, search controller, said the body was discovered about 2pm in the Turere Stream.
Earlier todaya torch was also found in the same stream.
Senior Sergeant Johnston said the body has not yet been identified and police do not not know if it is that of Mr Grzybowski, who has been missing in the area since last Saturday.
"We have notified the Polish Ambassador and the Coroner that, sadly, we have found a body," Senior Sergeant Johnston said.
"We've made it clear that we can't yet determine that it is Jacek because the body is trapped in log debris in the stream."
High winds in the area have prevented the Iroquois helicopters helping with the search from recovering the team and the body by air.
It is likely that, given the deteriorating conditions, the two teams in the area where the body has been found will remain on site overnight.
If weather prevents an airlift tomorrow they may have to resort to a long and difficult stretcher carry.
