The man's body was found at Southshore Spit, where he was last seen on Thursday afternoon, police said.
Police launched a search with Coastguard, Surf Life Saving, and a Westpac Rescue Helicopter after the 19-year-old went missing in the water about 3.10pm.
At about 6am on Friday, police received a report a body had been located at the south bank of Southshore by a member of the public.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand said surf lifeguards recovered the body from the south bank at the end of Rockinghorse Rd at 6.20am.
“The team at Surf Life Saving New Zealand extends our heartfelt condolences to the whānau and friends of the deceased," the spokesperson said.
“We are providing support to the surf lifesavers involved.”
Coastguard Sumner said the search for the man on Thursday was challenging, with overcast weather, poor water visibility, and swells of up to two metres.
The search was suspended and volunteers were stood down last night.
A man who lives next to the beach told Stuff he was searching the area until 9.30pm on Thursday. Many other people from the community had come down to help.
A friend who was in the water with the teenager told Stuff on Thursday he disappeared from view about 100m out to sea.
The man's death will be referred to the Coroner, the police spokesperson said.
