The alleged "Port Hills groper" has been apprehended by police, but it is unclear whether charges will be laid against him.

Several women have described encounters with a man while exercising on the Port Hills, several of which included groping and licking.

The incidents mostly occurred in the vicinity of the Rapaki and Mt Vernon tracks, as well as in St Martins. 

Detective Constable Fiona Croft said police went to a Christchurch address this afternoon, acting on information received from a member of the public. 

"We have had an initial discussion with a man at that address, and he is assisting us with our inquiries," she said.

"No decision has yet been made on whether charges will be laid. The investigation is continuing and we are speaking with a number of complainants."

Croft said police had received several complaints or reports from the public over the past 48 hours. 

"We have been contacted by a number of women who have been approached on Port Hills tracks and by people who have seen a man matching the description that was circulated yesterday," she said. 

"In addition to the recent incidents, some of the incidents reported to us this week date back several months, but had not previously been reported." 

Anyone who may have been affected by similar incidents on the Port Hills is asked to call Croft on 363 7400.

- © Fairfax NZ News