'Rude awakening' as SUV smashes into Dunedin house

A Dunedin resident got a "rude awakening" when an SUV hurtled down a bank and crashed into the side of his house in the early hours of this morning.

Melle Steringa told the Otago Daily Times the man driving the SUV was "very lucky" to escape uninjured from the crash on the Kaikorai Valley side of Stuart St about 4.40am.

The SUV went through a fence and smashed into the side of the house, ripping off spouting from the roof.

It was left wedged between the house and a bank.

Mr Steringa said he was woken by a "loud bang" and his first thought was that there had been an earthquake.

"Quickly after that I heard someone walk around outside talking on the phone and then a knock on the door."

The driver, who escaped uninjured, then apologised to him.

A few small cracks had appeared on the side of the house, but there was no significant structural damage.

"I'm just glad no one got hurt."

The wall was on the opposite side of the house to his bedroom, so he was not at risk of being injured, but the driver was "very lucky".

The SUV proved difficult to move and was still there after 1pm.

A police spokeswoman said they had contacted a towing company and the SUV would be moved today.