A man found dead at a rural South Auckland property on Monday morning died of stab wounds suffered in an altercation, police have revealed.

David Cunningham, 40, was found dead by police at a property in Ramarama, only a few kilometres from his parents' Drury home, at 5.25am.

The father of one wasn't known to any of the people living at the house and police are trying to determine why and how he got there.

Counties Manukau Detective Inspector Dave Lynch said Cunningham was at his home in Fitzgerald Rd, Drury, about 10pm on Sunday, but police are unsure how he got to the Ararimu Rd property some four hours later.  

"There is the possibility that someone has picked up Mr Cunningham whilst hitchhiking or that he came into contact with someone known to him who may have given him a lift somewhere during that four-hour period," he said.

"It is also possible that someone travelling in the Fitzgerald and Ramarama Rd area has seen Mr Cunningham on foot or in a vehicle."

Police have not arrested anyone over the death but have said the people living at the house have been co-operating with their inquiries and they were not seeking anyone else.

It is understood four people were at the property when Cunningham died.

Cunningham's family said earlier this week that police had taken someone into custody for questioning.

A death notice said Cunningham, who was due to turn 41 next month, was "tragically taken".

Cunningham will be remembered at a funeral tomorrow at the Patumahoe Rugby Club.

Police want anyone with information on Cunningham's movements to call 09 261 1300 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

- © Fairfax NZ News