UPDATED 2:50PM: The woman whose body was found in the water near Waiheke Island on Christmas Day has now been identified.

Earlier police issued a plea for information to help identify the woman whose body was spotted in the water by a member of the public about 2km north of Korakorahi Point at 1:20pm.

A police spokesperson says they are now in contact with the woman's next of kin.

The woman's death will be referred to the Coroner.

EARLIER:

Police are appealing to the public for help to identify a woman whose body was found in the water near Waiheke Island on Sunday.

The woman is believed to be in her late 50s or early 60s and was wearing a blue, one-piece swimsuit. She has a distinctive tattoo on her left forearm that may help the public identify her.

Her body was spotted in the water by a member of the public about 2km north of Korakorahi Point at 1:20pm on Sunday.

A post-mortem is expected to take place on Monday, but based on initial enquiries, police do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances relating to her death at this stage.

Anyone who believes they can identify this woman or has any information can contact Auckland Police on 09 302 6640.