Police have cordoned off a residential street in Christchurch as they investigate a sudden death.

Police at the scene were working to establish the circumstances around the death.

They were notified of the death at the house on Exeter Street, in Merivale, at 11.40am Saturday morning.

A mobile base was being set up as about six police officers investigated the house and street.

"We are waiting to hear back from one of the officers in Christchurch and will be in a better position to give more information then," a police spokeswoman said.

"We are working to establish the circumstances around the death and notify next of kin".

- More to follow