An Otago Daily Times reporter said a scene guard was in place at an entrance to Brighton Beach this morning and three police cars were present.
A witness was also being spoken to.
A body was clearly visible lying face down on the sand.
The police presence was heavier by this afternoon and multiple Dunedin CIB detectives were carrying out a scene examination.
Police confirmed the body was found at 10am and asked people to avoid the beach.
Detective Inspector Steve Wood told RNZ police did not believe the death was suspicious.
Mr Wood said there were two people missing reported from the area at present and police were following lines of inquiry.
They said there were no further details available.
A detective at the scene said they were yet to identify the body and was not prepared to comment until a scene examination was completed.
He would not be drawn on reports the body was that of a local missing person, or that police did not believe the death was suspicious.
Police said in a media update at 2.35pm they were continuing to make enquiries after the body of a man was found at Brighton Beach.
Police were looking to identify the body and the death was being treated as unexplained.