Police are investigating the discovery of human remains on a Coromandel beach.

The bones were exposed in an area that is subjected to ongoing erosion and were located by a visitor to the peninsula, says police.

Police are investigating human remains found on a Coromandel beach.

"The finder uplifted the bones and later handed them in at an Auckland Police Station. The bones are currently being examined to determine how old they are," says a statement from police.

"The area is well know for human remains being found that predate European settlement. It is timely to remind the public that discoveries of this type should be left in place and reported as soon as possible to police."

New Zealand statutes prohibit interference with archaeological and burial sites.