The body found at Scorching Bay has been identified as that of missing Karori woman 74 year old Edna Mae Cairns, known as Mae.

Detective Sergeant Corey Watts of the Wellington CIB says a formal identification and post-mortem examination has been carried out this morning.

"Results of the post mortem examination are not available, and ultimately the cause of death will be determined by the Coroner, however we can confirm that we do not believe that Mae Cairns was the subject of foul play and there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death."

Officer in charge of the search for Mae Cairns, Acting Sergeant Anthony Harmer says a three day thorough search was carried out in the Karori area, of the most logical places Mae was known to frequent.

"Police would like to thank members of the community and volunteers who provided valuable assistance throughout the search including members of the Land Search and Rescue (Land SAR) volunteers, and members of the Karori Community Patrol, Wellington Community Response, Lower Hutt Emergency Response and Upper Hutt Community Rescue."

Mae Cairns death will be referred to the Coroner in due course.