The family of Private Michael Ross say they are relieved the soldier's body has been found, a week after he fell into a lake near Waiouru.

Private Michael Victor Ross, 29, from Kaitaia, has not been seen since he fell overboard from an inflatable boat while returning from a training exercise in a lake.

A surfer in mid-30s was in a critical condition in Taranaki Base Hospital last night after being found floating beside his board in metre-deep water off the coast near New Plymouth.

Police have found the body of the 7-year-old boy who went missing along with his father when their dinghy overturned in Manukau Harbour yesterday.