A British couple "who lived life to the maximum" have been found dead in what police suspect to be a murder-suicide after emigrating from the UK for a new life in New Zealand.

The couple, understood to be an academic and a teacher from London, were found late on Monday after police forced their way into a property they were renting in the Roseneath region of Wellington. Detective Inspector Haley Ryan said officers attended after being contacted by a family member concerned about their welfare and found the man and woman dead.

Police say they are unable to confirm the identities of the deceased until the Coroner's report is completed. The male partner had reportedly been living and working in New Zealand, while the woman had moved into the property with him in December, a neighbour revealed. He is believed to have worked in academia at universities in Britain and New Zealand, while she worked as a teacher.

The couple had adult children living in the country, and had been considering moving to Otago to be closer to them, the neighbour added.

Their landlord meanwhile described them as “passionate about being in New Zealand and giving their family the experience of living here.”

“Both they and their family lived life to the absolute full and were always planning or doing amazing adventures,” the landlord said of “my British lodgers”.

He added: “He was a clever, caring, charming man. She was vibrant, kind, intelligent and both of them made friends wherever they went. They were both absolutely wonderful human beings.

“They were both such positive and incredible parents, friends, and members of many communities.

“We send our love and condolences to their [family] and friends.'

Neighbour’s Paul and Emma Prestidge said the couple had been “very friendly people”, with whom he would have dinner parties.

He said that the couple had a son who did not live with them.

Mr Prestidge said he last saw the couple around two weeks ago.

Mrs Prestidge said the couple had moved from London and were planning to permanently settle in New Zealand.

She said: “My understanding is they'd finally... packed up their lives in London and all their stuff was in a shipping container, and they were kind of looking to move here for good.

“They were... in the next phase of their life, I guess, and ready to kind of set themselves up for the next part of their chapter, which is... truly sad.”

Police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths but have not yet revealed how they died.

Det Insp Ryan added: “I want to provide assurance that there is no ongoing risk to the Roseneath community.”

A FCDO spokesperson said: “We have not been approached for consular assistance in this case, but our staff stand ready to support British Nationals overseas 24/7.”