Helicopter wreckage found in South Island

Police searchers will this morning inspect wreckage of a helicopter found in Fiordland.

Southland Police were advised about 4pm yesterday that people on a sightseeing helicopter flight over the Hollyford Valley in Fiordland had spotted what appeared to be the wreckage of a helicopter in the Humboldt Creek area.

Police personnel from Queenstown flew into the area in the early evening to confirm the sighting and were able to complete a limited investigation at the scene, said Inspector Olaf Jensen.

An Invercargill Police Search and Rescue Team assisted by an Alpine Cliff Rescue Team from Queenstown will travel to the site mid-morning with the aim of identifying the helicopter and conducting a scene examination, Jensen said.

Police say it is too early to speculate about the identity of the helicopter or its passengers but say they hope to have more information later today.