Police have confirmed a body found in the Port Hills area of Christchurch yesterday is that of 33-year-old Hayden Cossey, who was reported missing by his family on 7 December.
Police said a member of the public found the body in a remote rock fall area near Castle Rock, yesterday.
Search and rescue teams tramped into the area to retrieve the body, after deteriorating weather conditions made it unsuitable for a helicopter.
A large search had been underway for Mr Cossey involving police, volunteers and family members.
The case would be referred to the coroner.