Body of Auckland man Roger Thomas Stevenson, 77, found near Picton

An elderly man whose body was found in the water near Picton has been named by police.

He was 77-year-old Roger Thomas Stevenson of Auckland.

Stevenson's body was found by a friend in the water in Waikawa Bay, shortly before midnight on Thursday.

The group of friends were on a charter boat trip and had moored at Waikawa Marina.

His body was found by the boat ramp.

The death has been referred to the coroner.