The body of a Zimbabwean tourist caught in a rip while swimming at Mt Maunganui on Friday has been found.

Ratidzo Moyo, a 19-year-old who lived in London, went missing when swimming with friends about 5pm. Senior Sergeant Carl Purcell of Tauranga said a member of the public saw Mr Moyo's body washed up on the beach about 7.30am yesterday.

The British consulate is arranging for it to be returned to Britain.

Mr Moyo's friends also got into trouble on Friday afternoon but were rescued by surfers.