North Canterbury crash: Motorcyclist dies in SH7 collision near Hanmer Springs

Police were notified around noon of a crash between Hanmer Springs Rd and Leslie Hills Rd involving a motorcycle and a car. Photo / File

A motorcyclist has died after a serious crash this morning in North Canterbury.

State Highway 7/Mouse Point Rd in the Tekoa Range, Hurunui, was closed after a motorcycle and a car collided about noon.

“Sadly, despite emergency services’ best efforts, the motorcyclist died at the scene,” a police spokesperson said.

A witness who arrived shortly after the crash said it appeared the motorcyclist “overshot a sharp curve on a wet road and collided with a vehicle”.

“When I arrived, a person was performing CPR on the rider who was laying in the middle of the road,” they said.

“He stopped doing CPR about the time I ran up to see if I could help. A woman on the scene said she was a nurse and confirmed he had no pulse.”

Police say they are investigating the circumstances of the crash.

Fire and Emergency said two appliances from Hanmer Springs responded to the crash and assisted with scene protection before being stood down, leaving police and ambulance.

Hato Hone St John said two ambulances attended.

The road between Hanmer Springs and Culverden remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit examines the crash scene.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said the crash was blocking SH7 just south of the turnoff to Hanmer Springs.

People are asked to follow the directions of emergency services at the crash site.

SH7/Mouse Point Rd is closed in both directions and diversions are in place.

NZTA contractors are travelling to assist.

Ben Tomsett is a multimedia journalist based in Dunedin. He joined the Herald in 2023.