Emergency services raced to the city centre just before 11am.
The body was found in the river at the botanic gardens near North Hagley Park off Riccarton Ave.
A large area has been cordoned off by police. Officers brought stretchers, gumboots and waders into the cordoned off area.
Police, Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz), and St John were called to the scene.
Wells said they responded with one fire truck to assist with police and St John.
A police spokesperson said: “Police are in attendance after a body was located in the Avon River. Enquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances.”
In an update at 3pm, Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Johnson, of Christchurch, said there was nothing to suggest the death was suspicious at this stage of the investigation.
