A man has died in a glider crash near Lake Hawea.
Police received a report of the crash in the Hunter Range around 5.30pm.
A helicopter was deployed from Queenstown with a paramedic and police on board to find the crash site, but while it was responding, a person in a privately owned fixed wing aircraft located the wreckage, police said.
When emergency services arrived at the scene, the sole occupant of the glider was found dead.
Police are working to establish the identity of the deceased and then will begin the process of notifying the man's family.
The man was taking part in a glider competition at the time of the crash, police said.
The death will be referred to the Coroner and the Civil Aviation Authority will be notified.
St Johns spokesman Gerard Campbell said he received a report of a glider crash about 2km east of Lake Hawea about 6.40pm.
He said a rescue helicopter had been sent from Queenstown to help out but there would be no medical involvement from St John.
A spokesman said other glider pilots in the area alerted emergency services to the crash.
