Wellington police are investigating after a man was found dead in the suburb of Khandallah on Tuesday.
The man, in his 40s, is believed to have been walking his golden labradoodle from his home in the Amapur Drive area to Odell Reserve.
A member of the public discovered the man's body at 4pm on Tuesday.
Detective senior sergeant Tim Leitch said a scene examination is ongoing.
"Police staff are completing area inquires around the reserve."
Police want to hear from members of the public who may have seen the man walking his dog from his home to the reserve between 2:15pm and 3:40pm.
"He is 170cm tall, of medium build, and was wearing a black jacket with a fluoro orange top underneath, a dark-coloured cap, shorts, and work boots."
Police are also appealing for information from anyone walking in Odell Reserve and the Punjab Street area between 2pm and 4pm.
Those with information can call police on 105 and quote file number 220607/6642
