A body has been found during the search for a man missing in the Tairua River area.

The search began Sunday night, when a car was found submerged off Hikuai School Road.

The search was called off overnight and resumed today, says a police spokesperson.

The registered owner of the car was reported missing at 5.30pm, after leaving a friend's house, says police.

The car being discovered submerged at around 6pm.

A formal identification process will be carried out and the death will be referred to the Coroner.