Teen motorcyclist dies in crash

A motorcyclist, thought to be an 18-year-old South Canterbury man, died early today after his bike left the road on State Highway 1 north of Oamaru.

Police have yet to piece together what happened and are seeking help from any drivers who were on the road in the Richmond-Papakaio area between 3.30am and 4.30am.

Detective Sergeant Mike Ryder said police were not notified of the crash for about half an hour, even though a number of vehicles would have travelled past the crash site.

Conditions were dark and misty at the time, he said.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police.

- NZPA