Motorcyclist killed in SH1 collision

A 40-year-old Christchurch motorcyclist was killed in a collision with a car on State Highway 1 south of Kaikoura last night.

The car's passenger was in Christchurch Hospital with head injuries following the crash, which happened just north of Oaro, 22km southwest of Kaikoura, about 7pm, Constable Dean Schroder of Kaikoura Police said.

"It appears that the motorcycle has crossed the centre line but the investigation is in its early stages and no conclusions are being drawn at this time."

The motorcyclist, who died at the scene, was the only person killed on New Zealand's roads so far this weekend.

His name has not yet been released as next of kin were still being informed, Mr Schroder said.

The motorcyclist's body had been taken to Christchurch for a post mortem tomorrow.

The car driver was uninjured, but badly traumatised, police said last night.

Police were still investigating and talking to witnesses.

- NZPA