A search for a missing fisher has ended after a body was found on a beach near Thames.

Duty Inspector Neil Faulkner said police received a report from a member of the public at about 6.10am after a body was located on the beach.

Formal identification is yet to take place, but police believe the body is that of a man who was reported missing on December 22 near the Waikawau boat ramp, about 24km north of Thames.

Emergency services were alerted at 8.45am on Monday after reports a rock fisher was in difficulty in the water.

One person managed to make it safely to shore and raised the alarm that a second person was still in the water.

Coastguard New Zealand said volunteers from Howick Coastguard supported the police Eagle helicopter and public vessels involved in locating the missing person.

Faulkner said the death was expected to be referred to the Coroner.

Local iwi have placed a rāhui on the area.