Air support used after car clocked at 186kmh

File photo / NZ Herald

Police enlisted air support to track a car allegedly travelling at speeds of up to 186km/h during the weekend after officers were forced to abandon a pursuit in rural Southland.

"We don't normally have air support," said Sergeant Greg Ballantyne of Gore police.

"It was quite cracker to have it give us a hand."

At 4.25pm on Sunday a police patrol clocked a Ford Falcon XR6 travelling north of Gore at 186km/h.

Police tried to stop the vehicle but it accelerated away, and the pursuit was abandoned due to the high speed and a concern for public safety, Mr Ballantyne said.

Another officer saw the vehicle but the pursuit was again abandoned due to the speeds involved.

After the first pursuit was abandoned an officer at the Gore airport enlisted the aid of a pilot who was preparing for takeoff.

About 5.45pm, police received a call from the pilot, who saw the vehicle travelling west towards SH6 on the Waimea Valley Rd.

"The plane followed the car and gave us directions as to where it was going," Mr Ballantyne said. "They were more than happy to help out."

The driver stopped for Lumsden police at St Patrick's Josephville Rd.

He will face reckless driving charges. He also returned a breath alcohol level over the legal limit.