The country is still reeling after the news a body believed to be missing British tourist Grace Millane was been found by police in the Waitakere Ranges.

Police are now seeking sightings of the 2016 red Toyota Corolla hatchback that was hired from a central Auckland rental company and was possibly in the West Auckland area between 6am and 9am on Monday.

Millane was last seen on CCTV on Saturday December 1 entering CityLife Hotel with a 26-year-old man. That man is now in police custody and due to appear in court tomorrow charged with murder.

The 22-year-old's death has made headlines worldwide and sparked concern over how safe New Zealand is for tourists.

Commercial director at House of Travel, Brent Thomas, told Kate Hawkesby thankfully incidents like this are uncommon.

"These are only isolated incidents. Tourism is right up there with dairy as our main export earners so we really need to make sure we are looking after tourism from all aspects throughout New Zealand."

He said Kiwis are shocked and horrified when something like this happens which shows that New Zealand is a safe country. 

"When something like this does happen it is main news still in New Zealand, whereas in other countries where New Zealanders are travelling often these things aren't even reported because they happen every day."

"New Zealand is a relatively safe place, yes there have been two or three incidents over the last wee while, however, it still main news when something like this happens and I think people put that in perspective." 

Thomas said it is really important we look after tourists to ensure they feel safe when visiting.

"The more we can do the better. The thing about tourism is that it reaches all part of New Zealand so from that point of view it is really important, it goes into all the regions and makes a lot of income for a lot of people."

This comes as two tourists recover from an attack in Nelson yesterday which left one with a broken jaw.

Thomas said incidents like this can tarnish New Zealand's reputation if they happen regularly.

"These kinds of things don't help the situation but as I say I think these are reasonably isolated incidents towards tourists and from that perspective, we don't see it having an impact long-term as long as it is isolated."

"The key thing is, we have tourism as a major exporter and we do need to be looking after these people and giving them a fantastic time.

Yesterday a team of 18 police officers, including forensic experts, spent the morning gathering evidence in a patch of manuka and scrub off a layby not far from the Waitakere dam carpark.

Officers dressed in white overalls were seen exiting the bush carrying clear bags. Large tents were erected on the side of the road and there were numerous police cars, both marked and unmarked.

By 4pm they had found her body.

"The formal identification process will now take place, however based on the evidence we have gathered over the past few days, we expect that this is Grace," said Detective Inspector Scott Beard. 

Police have released two photos of a 2016 red Toyota Corolla hatchback that was hired from a central Auckland rental car company just before lunchtime last Sunday, saying police wanted to hear from anyone who saw the vehicle in the West Auckland area between 6am and 9.30am last Monday, December 3.

The car was found in Taupo.

The focus now, said Beard, is to piece together exactly what happened to a young girl who came to New Zealand as part of a year-long solo OE.

Millane was last seen on CCTV on Saturday, December 1 entering CityLife Hotel with a 26-year-old man. That man is in police custody and due to appear in court today charged with murder.

Her family became concerned on December 2 when she did not respond to messages wishing her a happy 22nd birthday.

By Wednesday a missing person's report was filed with police and on Friday her father arrived in New Zealand where he spoke to media.

Millane told journalists his much-loved daughter arrived in New Zealand on November 20 as part of a year-long, worldwide overseas experience that began earlier this year in South America.

Fighting back tears, he spoke about the "lovely, outgoing, fun-loving, family-orientated daughter" who had been so looking forward to going to New Zealand and had "bombarded us with numerous photographs and messages of her adventures" since arriving.

Her brother Declan Millane released a heartbreaking tribute to his sister after she was found.

On Saturday police said they had assessed Millane's property left at the Base Backpackers where she had been staying - and found some items missing.

Her passport, a pale pink Casio Baby-G watch and necklace were amongst the missing items.

Police haven't said if those items were found with her body.

Guests at the 26-storey CityLife hotel on Queen St said police were talking to everyone who had stayed on the same floor as the man who was in custody. Police officers were also seen walking the streets around the hotel, apparently checking for CCTV cameras.

The last sightings of Millane were on the evening of Saturday, December 1, in one of the busiest parts of the city.

She was captured on CCTV leaving Andy's Burgers & Bar on the first level of SkyCity at 7.15pm.

The Lucie Blackman Trust, which has been supporting Millane's family, posted on its Facebook page they were "incredibly saddened" by the police announcement.

"Thank you to all who helped try and find Grace.

"Our thoughts are with her family at this awful time."

The hunt for Grace

October-November 2018

Grace Millane embarks on a year-long solo OE, starting in South America at the end of October, before she arrives in New Zealand on November 20.

She travels around the upper North Island, including Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga.

Friday, November 30

Grace arrives in Auckland and checks into the Base Backpackers Hostel.

Saturday, December 1

Grace makes contact with her family - the last time they will hear from her after daily messages back and forth.

Grace is captured on CCTV leaving Andy's Burgers & Bar, on the first level of SkyCity, at 7.15pm.

Later, at 9.41pm, Grace is captured again on CCTV, entering the CityLife Hotel on Queen St with a man.

Sunday, December 2

Family become concerned after Grace doesn't respond to messages wishing her a happy 22nd birthday.

Wednesday, December 5

A missing person's report is filed with police.

Friday, December 7

Grace's father David Millane arrives in New Zealand.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard says police have "grave fears" for her safety.

Saturday, December 8

Just after 3pm, police take in to custody the man, 26, Grace was with at the hotel and find a "vehicle of interest".

At 5pm, Beard announces the investigation is now a homicide inquiry.

Sunday, December 9

A body believed to be Grace is found in the Waitakere Ranges.