Christchurch Police have released photos of a backpack and its contents, found with an unidentified man's body in Heathcote  Valley

Officers are still working to identify the man, who's thought to be in his 30s or 40s, and has a distinctive birthmark on his left forearm.

His body was found on Horotane Valley Road on Friday.

He was wearing a black long sleeve woollen jersey, black trousers and grey tramping boots.

Anyone with information should call 105.