The human remains found on Leithfield Beach are those of a deceased adult, police say.
Senior Sergeant Stephen McDaniel said police are still making inquiries into the discovery of the remains.
A member of the public found the skeletal remains and got in touch with police yesterday.
"While police are yet to identify the remains, we are satisfied the deceased person is an adult," McDaniel said.
Police are carrying out further searches along the Amberley/ Leithfield coastline about 40km north of Christchurch today.
They encourage anyone with concerns or information to contact them on 105 and quote file number 220106/5800.