Man stung to death by wasps

The man had been stung multiple times. Photo / Thinkstock

A man is dead after being stung by wasps in the Marlborough Sounds.

The 62-year-old was collecting firewood with another man in Kenepuru Sound when they disturbed a wasps nest, Sergeant Dave Houston of Wellington police maritime unit told NZ Newswire.

The men ran in separate directions and when the other found the 62-year-old he was not breathing.

He called 111 about 9am.

Emergency services gave the man CPR but were not able to revive him.

It appeared the man, who had been living in the area for a month, had been stung multiple times, Sgt Houston said.

A post mortem would be carried out to determine whether he died of an allergic reaction or other causes.

"It's just a terrible tragedy, very sad for the family," Mr Houston said.

The police launch, which had been patrolling the remote area, attended with the Kenepuru Rural Fire Force, an EMT team from Picton and St John.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched, but had to turn back due to poor weather conditions.

The man's body had been taken to Havelock by boat for transfer to hospital, Mr Houston said.

- AAP