Police are investigating the death of a man near Taupo which at this stage is being treated as unexplained.

The man, believed to be in his 60s, was discovered at approximately 8.45am by a member of the public lying by the edge of Maroa Road, which is a rural metal road leading from SH1.

The man’s vehicle has been located a few hundred metres away parked on SH1 near the intersection with Maroa Road.

A post mortem examination will be carried out tomorrow to establish cause of death. In the meantime police are keeping an open mind about the discovery and are treating the man's death as unexplained.

Initial enquiries suggest that the man would have been travelling along that stretch of SH1 towards Taupo between approximately 5pm and 6.30pm last night.

Anyone who saw his vehicle which is a white Hyundai van or has any other information that may be relevant is asked to contact Taupo Police on 07 378 6060.

No further details about the man will be released until his next of kin have been notified and he has been formally identified.

ENDS

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