Body found on the side of a road in Taupo

Photo / File / Michael Cunningham

The van of a man found dead on a rural Taupo road this morning appears to have broken down, police say.

The man, in his 60s, was found lying on Maroa Rd by a member of the public about 8.45am.

His white Hyundai van was parked at the intersection with State Highway 1, a few hundred metres away.

Police, who are treating his death as unexplained, said this afternoon his van appeared to have broken down.

A post mortem examination to establish the cause of the death is due to be carried out tomorrow.

In the meantime police are keeping an open mind about the discovery. Initial inquiries suggested the man was travelling along SH1 towards Taupo between about 5pm and 6.30pm last night.

Anyone who saw his van or had any other relevant information was asked to contact Taupo Police on 07 378 6060.