The family of Nic Hedley are "devastated" by her death, and grateful for the support shown to find her.
The body of the missing Dunedin woman was found yesterday.
Her ''devastated'' family released a statement last night saying they were ''saddened'' by the 36-year-old's death.
A police spokeswoman said Ms Hedley's body was found in the Harington Point area about 4.40pm.
Until a postmortem was completed, police would be treating the death as unexplained, she said.
Ms Hedley was reported missing on Sunday. She was last seen about 2am that day in Harington Point, on Otago Peninsula.
Family spokeswoman Anna Leask said Ms Hedley was a ''much loved'' mother of three who had a wide network of friends and family.
''We were saddened by the news that the search teams found the body of our beautiful girl Nic.''
Friends and family had gathered together to support one another since hearing the news, Ms Leask said.
Funeral plans would be made by family in the next few days.
''All her friends and family are relieved to be able to bring her home... as a family unit we are devastated, but we are strong and we can get through this together,'' she said.
The family were ''grateful'' for everyone's support and the hard work that went into the search effort.
Sergeant Richard Panting said police resumed the search for Ms Hedley in the Harington Point area yesterday.
Up to 60 volunteers from LandSAR teams from North Otago, the Catlins and Balclutha had assisted, as well as the coastguard and specialist search and rescue dogs.
Police thanked everyone involved, including Otakou marae for providing support and assistance.
