Police have confirmed one person has died and another person is critically injured following a light plane crash near Lake Hāwea yesterday (Saturday March 29).

RNZ reported that Maritime New Zealand's Rescue Coordination Centre said the plane crashed in the Dingle Burn Valley.

Emergency services were called to the area east of the lake about 1:30pm.

The Dingle Burn Valley is situated on the east side of Lake Hāwea

One of the plane’s two occupants was helicoptered to Dunedin Hospital in a critical condition.

The second was located deceased.

The Civil Aviation Authority has been notified, and a scene guard remained in place overnight.

Police will make inquiries on behalf of both the CAA and the Coroner.