Detective senior sergeant Tim Leitch said the woman’s death is being treated as inexplicable.
A member of the public saw the body in the water off Kau Bay around 12:45 p.m. today and alerted police, who retrieved the woman’s body from the water.
The woman’s identity is unknown and police are calling on the public for help in identifying her.
“She is someone’s daughter, sister or mother and it is vital that we find out who she is as soon as possible,” Leitch said.
The woman, believed to be of Māori or Pasifika heritage, has the words “Ride or Die” tattooed on her left inner arm.
She is described as slim build and between 20 and 35 years old.
She wore a white T-shirt with the initials ‘STL’ in orange and blue lettering on the front.
Police asked anyone who could help identify the woman to contact them immediately at 105 quoting event number P051049243.
Police also wanted to hear from anyone who was on Massey Rd between Scorching Bay and Shelley Bay today.
“This can be a busy location, especially on a nice day with people traveling or running, walking, cycling or diving along Massey Rd,” Leitch said.
“We want to talk to anyone who was in that area until just before 1:00 p.m. today who might be able to help.”