The body was found on Tuesday morning at the scene of the blaze in a home on Conservators Rd in McLeans Island, near Christchurch. The blaze broke out about 7.30pm last night.
Said Area Commander Superintendent Lane Todd: "Police can now confirm a body has been located at the scene of last night's house fire.
"The property was extensively damaged as a result of the fire. The body is yet to be removed from the property and has not been officially identified.
"Police and Fire and Emergency NZ will be conducting a joint scene examination at the property as part of the investigation to understand the cause.
"However, due to the nature of the damage, this is expected to take some time as the building is unsafe.
"A priority for us is to ensure the search of the property can be completed in a safe manner."
A neighbour says an older man lives at the property on his own.
She and her husband went over to the house last night when they heard there was a fire - but by then there was nothing they could do.
The woman says the man's vehicle was outside the property and that he spent a lot of time at home.
She says it's not very nice thinking about the fact he could've been in there when the fire occurred.
Firefighters remained at the scene throughout the night and water was still being pumped from a hydrant across the road on Tuesday morning.
Police have taped off the area.
Fire and Emergency NZ southern shift manager Brent Dunn said four crews were called to the blaze.
"The house was well ablaze when we arrived," he said.
Dunn said the fire was put out shortly before 11pm on Monday.
Three investigators and two trucks were called to the blaze. Dunn directed further queries to police.
