One person has died following a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 96 - Winton Wreys Bush Highway - about 14km north of Winton, Southland.
Police said a car had "gone off the road and hit a power pole" at about 12.45am. The person died at the scene.
An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.
Diversions are in place and motorists are asked to avoid the area if possible, as road remains closed.