The body found near Muriwai Beach north-west of Auckland has been brought out, escorted by friends and family of missing Auckland woman Carissa Avison.
At least 20 people walked side-by-side together as a stretcher was carried down a track and then loaded into the back of a vehicle.
They gathered behind the vehicle and watched as police escorted it back down Muriwai Rd toward State Highway 16.
A man, believed to be Avison's brother, was holding flowers.
Police have now opened up access to the beach after earlier blocking access to both the beach and horse tracks near the beach.
The body was found by a member of the public last night.
The 21-year-old Auckland woman went missing in the same area on January 26.
Earlier today about ten people were seen at the car park at the north end of Muriwai hugging under umbrellas, with many visibly upset.
People gathered at the car park at the north end of Muriwai Beach.
Search and rescue teams, as well as family and friends, had scoured the Woodhill Forest and Muriwai area north-west of Auckland looking for Avison.
Avison's mother had reportedly been camping out in the forest, continuing to search for her missing daughter.
The Muriwai community has rallied around her, offering support and supplies and also helping with the search.
Woodhill Forest is about 12,500 hectares and is owned by local iwi Ngati Whatua o Kaipara. The forest area is outlined in blue.
Her brother Tyler Avison said she was a regular at Muriwai Beach.
He described his sister as quiet and independent, but determined and very clever.
Avison was reportedly dropped off at Coast Rd, near to Woodhill Forest on January 26.
She left her home on Dockside Lane in Auckland central about 8.30am that morning, apparently heading to work in Auckland city.
Police called off the search for Avison a week later.
People involved in the search took to social media this morning to say she had been found last night.
Woodhill Forest is about 12,500 hectares in size, and is owned by iwi Ngati Whatua o Kaipara.
Auckland Council controls an area called Five Mile Strip which adjoins Woodhill Forest, that is a regional park.