A body found in dense bush in Coromandel has been formally identified as that of a man who has been missing since early June.
Police said Shannon Earle Mako's body was found at the base of a large bluff in very thick vegetation and steep terrain on 23 June.
The 37-year-old was last seen on 1 June and was reported missing on 9 June.
His vehicle was found near Castle Rock, which is a popular climbing area.
Police said Mr Mako was a recreational climber who was very comfortable in the bush.
Waikato District Search and Rescue co-ordinator Vince Ranger said the search was very taxing on the team.
"There was a mixture of emotions, both sorrow and and relief, when Mr Mako was located and we knew we were going to be able to return him to his whanau," he said.
Mr Mako's death is now the subject of a coronial inquiry.
