The Timaru District Council has been left scratching their heads after an entire toilet unit went missing from the Te Moana Gorge.

The $5000 toilet unit went missing between August 10 and August 14, leaving only a concrete pad and the underground chamber behind. It was initially thought a storm may have blown it away, but on closer inspection it was discovered the bolts holding the toilet down had been removed.

"It's a baffling theft considering how distinctively marked the toilet is and that it was surrounded by a chain fence and bollards," Timaru District Council group manager Tina Rogers says.

"We're stumped as to why someone would go to the not inconsiderable effort to steal the toilet… it isn't even a self-contained unit that could be easily put to another use."

Police are investigating but still have nothing to go on.

If anyone spots a TDC marked toilet somewhere where it shouldn't be, please email enquiries@timdc.govt.nz

Newshub.