New Zealand police confirmed two people have died in a helicopter crash near the Kekerengu Rivermouth, north of Kaikoura.
Three others were seriously injured and have been airlifted to Christchurch Hospital.
There were five people in total on board the helicopter at the time of the crash. An earlier media release indicated six people were on board, but authorities now say this was incorrect.
Further details regarding the deceased and injured, including ages and genders, will not be released until all necessary family notifications have been carried out.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) have been advised.