A man has been rescued from a vehicle stuck in a river as water washed over the bonnet and was rising.
Photo: Supplied / NZ police
Police were alerted to the ute in the Waimea River, near Appleby Bridge, close to Nelson, about 6.30am today.
A police spokesperson said the man had sought refuge on the back of his ute while waiting for emergency services.
A swift water rescue team got him off the river shortly after 7am.
The spokesperson said he had no apparent injuries, but was very cold and was checked by St John Ambulance staff.
Police thanked all those involved in the man's rescue.
There are plans to recover the vehicle from the river.