Man found dead in ditch may have been there for hours - police

A man found dead in a ditch may have lain there for hours before being discovered, Hastings police say.

The 59-year-old's body was spotted by a passer-by on the verge of State Highway 2 northeast of Hastings around 9.20pm yesterday.

His mountain bike had been seen on the side of the road from 5.30pm.

Police said it was not damaged, ruling out a hit and run. The man had recently returned from Australia and police said they were waiting until his family had been contacted before releasing his name.

- NZPA