One person has died following a light plane crash at Lake Ellesmere in Canterbury.

Police, a Christchurch rescue helicopter crew and the Rescue Co-ordination Centre searched for the plane last night.

Police worked with the Rescue Co-ordination Centre to locate the Cessna 172 aircraft in Lake Ellesmere on Thursday night.

The plane was found by ground search teams about 11.20pm.

Police said the sole occupant of the plane was found deceased.

The death will be referred to the Coroner and the Civil Aviation Authority will investigate.