Cyclist dies after crash with car near Christchurch

A cyclist has died after a crash with a car in Governors Bay near Christchurch.

Emergency services were called to Dyers Pass Road near Te Rapaki-o-te Rakiwhakaputa at 10.20am on Friday.

Police said the cyclist died at the scene.

The road is closed between Summit Road and Governors Bay Road, with motorists advised to avoid the area.

Police wanted to speak to the driver of a small white hatchback seen driving south on Dyers Pass Road towards Governors Bay at the time of the crash.

They said the driver might have information that could help with their inquiries.

"Police are asking the driver, or anyone who may know who was driving the vehicle at that time, to get in touch. Anyone with information is asked to contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking 'Update Report', or call 105 using file number P067881921."

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

St John said it sent one ambulance, one rapid response unit and one operations manager to the scene.

Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash were ongoing, police said.