Body recovered from Palliser Bay

Police have recovered the body of a 51-year-old Masterton man who died while taking photographs at Palliser Bay, southeast of Wellington.

He was reported missing at 7.30pm on Thursday after failing to return home.

A search was mounted overnight with an Air Force Iroquois Helicopter called out, braving the rough weather.

Masterton Police said the man's body was found about 10.30pm Friday, on a ridgeline, above the coast.

High winds had prevented a helicopter from reaching the ridgeline, forcing officers to go in on foot yesterday and carry the body out.

Police said the cause of death was known but it would be up to the coroner to decide whether to release details following a post mortem.

- NZPA