The formal identification process remains ongoing after a body was found during a search for a missing kayaker in the Firth of Thames.

A police spokesperson says the body was found near Beachlands on Saturday morning.

"Police can advise that we believe the body to be that of the kayaker reported missing on the Firth of Thames on November 5, 2022."

The man set out from Kaiaua around 3pm with the intention of fishing at the mussel farms.

He did not return as expected and was reported missing by his family on Saturday night.

A search operation was launched on Sunday, where police soon located the man's kayak and fishing gear "around three miles of Orere Point" at around 6.30am of that morning.

In today statement, police say the matter will be referred to the Coroner.

"At this stage, police are not able to release the identity of the person found while formal identification procedures are completed."