A MAN has been charged with murder after a woman's body was found in bushland on the NSW mid-north coast.

Police said they found the body in a search of bushland on Butlers Road at Bonville about 6pm (AEDT) yesterday.

The search was being conducted after the woman was reported missing earlier in this month.

A crime scene has been set up at the scene and also at a motel on the Pacific Highway at Coffs Harbour.

Police yesterday arrested a 41-year-old man who has been charged with murder and supplying a prohibited drug.

He was refused bail and is due to appear in Coffs Harbour Local Court today.