The van carrying six tourists that was involved in a fatal crash in Canterbury yesterday had crossed the centre line and travelled through a paddock before rolling a couple of times down a steep 40m bank, police say.
It was understood the vehicle had been rented by three Israeli couples in their 60's and 70's who have been in the country for about a week, TVNZ News reported.
The crash happened State Highway 1 near Greta Valley shortly before 10.20am, about 1km south of the Hurunui River Bridge.
One person was confirmed as deceased at the scene and the five other occupants were taken to Christchurch Hospital by air and road, police said.
The death had been referred to the Coroner.
