A search and rescue operation has been launched for two fishermen, who were swept off rocks at Slope Point this evening.
A police spokesman said two helicopters and a search and rescue crew are searching the coastline.
A coastguard boat from Bluff was also involved in the search.
The men were swept from the rocks about 6.20pm.
The search is being hampered by 2m swells and heavy rain.
Slope Point is the southernmost point of the South Island of New Zealand.
It lies just south of the small settlements of Waikawa and Haldane, near the southwestern edge of the Catlins, and is 71 km east of Invercargill.
