A person drove a rental vehicle on the wrong side of the Crown Range Road for at least eight kilometres on Sunday (October 6).

Wānaka Police Senior Sergeant Fi Roberts said the police responded after members of the public had reported the vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic.

“A patrol car with flashing lights pursued the vehicle for 8km…the driver failed to stop,” Fi said.

“The patrol vehicle was able to safely position themselves up alongside and point to the side of the road.”

The car was travelling towards Wānaka from Cardrona, Fi said, and “the driver eventually stopped for police near Riverbank Road”.

She said infringement notices were issued and the vehicle was returned to the rental car company.

The incident was one of many Wānaka Police responded to over the last week, which was busy with school holidays and stormy weather.

Fi said it was “disappointing” that approximately 100 drivers intentionally drove around the ‘road closed’ gates during the Lindis Pass closure last Wednesday (October 3). 

“Drivers who ignore obvious safety gates are not only inviting scrutiny but more importantly are putting other people, least of all themselves, at risk.”

Last Sunday (October 6) there was “an armed police presence in Kings Drive Wānaka in relation to an arrest, following an assault involving people known to each other”.

A 27-year-old man was charged with two counts of assault and one of possession of an offensive weapon.

He appeared in Dunedin District Court on Monday (October 7), Fi said. 

There were two Wānaka SAR call-outs over the past week at Timaru Creek.

Fi said as Timaru Creek has many river crossings, police urge those venturing into that area - or the outdoors in general - to check weather forecasts and be prepared for rain. 

“Aspiring catchments at this time of year can rise quickly, helped along by snowmelt. Look out for the warning signs of an unsafe river - water flowing faster than walking pace, discoloured water and debris in the water.”

Call 111 when you need an emergency response from police, fire or ambulance.

Call 105 to report things that don’t need urgent police assistance.

Call *555 to report road incidents that are urgent but not life-threatening.

To make an anonymous crime report contact Crime Stoppers.

PHOTO: Wānaka App