Man hunted after New Year's Day rape

South Canterbury police are still searching for a man after a prolonged rape of a woman on New Year's Day at a Twizel picnic area.

The 19-year-old victim was attacked at 5am near the Bendrose Station picnic area, just off State Highway 8, about 1km north of Twizel, the Timaru Herald reported.

Her assailant was described as a 19- to 23-year-old man with a lean build, up to 175cm tall.

The man had a big nose and chin and unwashed long wavy blond hair with light brown re-growth.

At the time of the attack, he was wearing a green camouflage hoodie, baggy light denim jeans and skate shoes.

- NZPA