One Briton dead and three injured in New Zealand crash

The incident occurred at around 10.45am local time on Thursday on Puruatanga Road in Martinborough, on the country's North Island.

New Zealand Police told Sky News officers were working with the British High Commission in Wellington as part of their investigation.

Wellington district road policing manager Inspector Brad Allen said in a statement: "The deceased was critically injured but died at the scene before they could be airlifted to hospital.

"Three other people, also on the bike, suffered serious injuries.

"The serious crash unit are conducting a scene examination and inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing."

He added officers' "thoughts, aroha (the Maori word for love) and condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased".

A spokesperson for the British Foreign Office said: "Our team in New Zealand have provided advice on bereavement abroad after one British person died and three others were seriously injured in Martinborough.

"Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time."

A spokesperson for Life Flight told Radio New Zealand two people were flown to Wellington Hospital after the collision.

Indi Bikes Martinborough owner Wayde Mines told Stuff his business had hired the four-seater vehicle to two couples visiting the area, which is known for its vineyards.

"It was a beautiful day in Martinborough that ended badly," he said.

An employee at Moy Hall Vineyard was one of the first people on the scene, and told the local news outlet: "It looked like a group of people who were just heading out into the vines like many do. It's pretty upsetting."

Shayne Hammond, general manager of Poppies Winery, which is near the crash site, described the incident as "horrifically sad".

He told Radio New Zealand: "You can't express the sadness. Everyone's hurting and a couple of the guys are definitely struggling."

-SKY NEWS