The search will continue today for a body amongst the rubble of a batch in Banks Peninsula.
Fire crews from around the region were called to Little Akaloa just before midday yesterday and found the building well ablaze.
Senior Sergeant Stu Munro says the fire was put out in about an hour, but it completely destroyed the bach.
Police specialist teams have established a man was inside the building and are now looking for his remains. It is believed the victim was 85-year-old Sir Don Beaven, who was still working as a professor at Canterbury University.
"It appears that he may have gone into the house with a hose to try to put the fire out. His car was still there. Members of the family have not heard from him."
