Police locate body of hunter

The body of the hunter fatally shot south of Rotorua this morning is expected to remain in the bush overnight.

Police reached the man's body this afternoon in very steep, rugged terrain off the Te Kopia Road in the Waikete Valley.

It was hoped the body could be extracted by helicopter today but deterioating weather conditions and a lowering cloud base has ruled this out.

The wet, slippery conditions and coming darkness means it is unsafe to carry the body out today.

Police will be guarding the scene overnight and it is hoped the body will be brought out of the bush tomorrow.

Police are currently notifying the vicitims's family however there is one close family member overseas who has yet to be informed.