A rescue helicopter has winched a family, including children, to safety from the roof of their vehicle after it became trapped in the Waimakariri River tonight.
Police told the Herald three people - a woman and two children - were saved in the dramatic incident about 40km north-west of Christchurch, but Garden City Helicopters general manager Simon Duncan said it was actually a family of five which were helped.
All were retrieved safely, Duncan said.
"They were okay, but cold ... they were [stuck in the river] 90 minutes all up."
The helicopter crew of three were too busy to speak to the Herald but had shared details of the rescue with their boss.