Police have named the woman who was found dead on the beach at Arkles Bay on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula yesterday.
The body of Arkles Bay resident Katherine Bennett, 60, was discovered on the shoreline at about 6.45am.
Rodney police said it was too early to say whether a homicide investigation would be launched.
"Elements surrounding the death of Ms Bennett require further clarification and at this time the exact cause of her death remains unexplained," said Detective Senior Sergeant Brett Batty.
"We are keeping an open mind to all possibilities and we have committed significant resources to ensure the circumstances of her death are fully investigated."