A tarpaulin shields the North Shore coastal site where the remains were discovered. Photo: NZ Herald
The remains - believed to be human - were found near Hauraki Rd, in the suburb of Takapuna today after a member of the public made the discovery about 5.20am, Detective Sergeant Ross Clapp said.
The remains have since been removed from the site by an undertaker.
Arthur Mahy lives near where they were found and said it had been the site of earthmoving work recently.
A house had also been shifted off the site many years ago.
Athough it appeared today to be beyond the high tide mark, the water sometimes reached to where the remains were found, Mr Mahy said.
Access to the beach was restricted earlier as police carried out a scene examination, but had since been reopened.
