The body of a New Zealander has been found in Australia, cut into pieces, and stuffed into a chilly bin, the Weekend Herald reports.

Queensland detectives found Campbell Paterson's body after a tip-off led them to an area of thick bush near Cairns.

Mr Peterson had been working in Cairns and returning to Napier every few months, to spend time with his wife and four children.

Cairns local David Hickson has been charged with murder and interfering with a corpse, and will appear in court next week.