Sergeant Steve Watt, of Queenstown, said police were still trying to locate one missing bag of money after the incident on the Crown Range Rd, but two other money bags were handed in by passers-by.
Police got a call from a concerned member of the public shortly after 3.30pm after they were unable to "flag down" the driver of the security vehicle to alert them to the situation, he said.
"They observed and picked up a quantity of coins that had fallen out of the rear of a security van.
"They were [later] handed to the operator of the company, who was doing the cash transfer.
"Subsequently, we have had a second bag of cash handed into Wanaka police station."
Sgt Watt confirmed the security company was made aware of the situation so it could "secure the rear of the vehicle".
It also "back-tracked" to look for any money that might have fallen out during the trip to Wanaka from Queenstown. Two police vehicles from Queenstown and one from Wanaka were also involved in the search. Sgt Watt said the response from the public was admirable.
"They are to be commended for their actions."
He was unable to confirm the amount of money missing, citing security reasons. The Otago Daily Times tried to contact the company believed to be involved in the breach. It denied any involvement in the incident.
