A man has admitted murdering a woman in the Christchurch suburb of Merivale,  but denies raping her.

27 year old Nicole Tuxford's body was found at her Exeter St home in April.

As part of the police investigation, forensic teams examined two properties - the house in Merivale and one in Breezes Road.

A 55-year-old man was arrested days later in relation to the death

Today at the High Court in Christchurch, he pleaded guilty to the murder charge, as well as stealing a motor vehicle and drunk driving.

But he denied charge of sexual violation and using a knife as a weapon.

The case has been adjourned until later today.