Pilot and passenger survive plane crash near Nelson Lakes

The reported crash happened in the Nelson Lakes area. Photo / Tracy Neal

The pilot and passenger aboard a light aircraft have survived a crash in the Nelson Lakes area on Saturday afternoon.

Rescue crews converged in a remote South Island mountain range after a report of a plane crash near Murchison following a mayday call at about 3.30pm.

A Rescue Coordination Centre spokeswoman earlier confirmed a response was being co-ordinated to the crash near Murchison, just west of Lake Rotoroa in the Nelson Lakes region.

"A helicopter is on scene and EMS helicopters are en route as well," she said.

"Bystanders with cellphone coverage have been asked to facilitate a video conference assessment with emergency services, and the passengers will also be assessed on scene once the medical personnel arrive."

Shortly after 5pm, the spokeswoman said two rescue helicopters, from Garden City Nelson and Garden City Greymouth, were both at the scene.

There were reports of serious injuries and two people were to be taken to hospital, she said.

The spokeswoman said the aircraft locator beacon was activated about 3.30pm, and there were also distress calls from the aircraft.

"A Murchison helicopter was first on scene, and two rescue helicopters, Garden City Nelson and Garden City Greymouth, were also dispatched."

By 6.30pm, the two rescue helicopters had transferred two passengers with serious injuries to Nelson Hospital, she said.

The matter has now been referred to the Civil Aviation Authority.

A man working at Murchison Helicopters said he understood the occupants had survived the reported crash.

"They're alright," he said.

A police spokeswoman said they were aware of the mayday call but their services were not required at this stage.