UPDATED 1.40pm: Police believe the body of an elderly woman found in the Kopurerua Stream in Tauranga had only been there for a short time.

The woman's body was found next to the Daisy Hardwick walkway on the Waikareao estuary, just after 6am today.

The elderly woman was wearing a brown jacket, navy polar fleece, blue denim 3/4 pants and a gold wedding ring.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Turner says it's a tragic event and they need to identify her as soon as possible.

"I believe that this lady was probably out walking early this morning and she'd only been in the river a short while before she was found."

Anyone who might be able to identify this woman is being urged to contact the Tauranga Police.

The body of the elderly woman was found She's described as of slight build, around 70 years old, and was wearing a brown jacket and navy polar fleece when she was found.

Police says she doesn't match the description of anyone reported missing.

Turner says someone in the community must know who she is.