A homicide investigation has been launched after a man died in the rural Canterbury district of Charing Cross.
Emergency services were called to the scene on Grange Rd, some 30km west of Christchurch, about 3.30pm.
Police said in a statement their initial inquiries suggested an altercation took place between two men.
A number of people were helping investigating officers.
A scene guard will remain in place overnight and a full scene examination will begin in the morning.