Helicopter battles 100km/h winds to rescue man

The Wellington based Westpac Rescue Helicopter battled 100km/h winds to rescue a man with a broken leg from D'Urville Island in the Marlborough Sounds this afternoon.

The 19-year-old was injured when his 4WD bike flipped and landed on top of him late this morning on a farm on the island.

"Apparently he managed to walk and crawl about 1km to get some help" helicopter crewman Dave Greenberg said.

"He was then transported by boat to Kapowai Bay, near French Pass, where we were able to fly to him".

The helicopter battled strong winds and rain to reach the man who was flown to Wellington Hospital.

"With over 50 knots of wind behind us it was certainly a much quicker trip back to Wellington" Mr Greenberg said.

- NZPA