Car collides with power pole in Marlborough

The scene of the accident. Photo / Supplied

A power pole crashed down onto a South Island highway after a car lost control and ploughed into it today.

The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter was called to State Highway 6 in Marlborough after the crash near Rai Valley about 5pm.

A helicopter spokesperson said the car had left the road and collided with the power pole, bringing it down.

"The sole occupant of the vehicle was assessed initially by ambulance road crew prior to the arrival of the helicopter intensive care paramedic.

"The male driver was then flown to Nelson Hospital emergency department in a stable condition for further assessment and treatment."

Earlier today, the helicopter was called to the Matai Valley area after a man fell off a motorcycle about 1pm.

"He had been off-road riding with friends when he fell off negotiating steep terrain."

The man was treated for a major fracture to his right leg.

He was winched out by the helicopter due to the steep, bush-clad terrain, and then flown to Nelson Hospital for further treatment.