Police have identified the body found on a train at the Port of Tauranga as that of a Whakamarama man.

The 38-year-old's body was discovered on top of the train at the port at 6.40am.

"Police have today been working to understand the circumstances surrounding the death of a man found on a train near the Port of Tauranga this morning," says a police spokesperson.

His body was found by staff unloading train wagons at the port at around 6.40am.

"It appears that the man fell from an overbridge in the Whakamarama area and landed on top of a train wagon.

"His body has then been carried on the train to the rail yards at the port.

"Police's thoughts are with the man's family, who are being assisted by Victim Support. Support is also being provided to Port staff.

"The man's death has been referred to the Coroner."