Forensic experts investigating the death of a man hit by a projectile while driving near Wanaka have searched the area of road and the man's car but have not found the object that caused his death.
Rutger Telford Hale was originally from Auckland and had been living in the Hawea area for a few weeks.
The 22-year-old was driving along the Lake Hawea-Albert Town Road about 6.30am on Thursday when the object smashed through the windscreen and hit him on the head before flying out the back window.
His 26-year-old partner, who was unharmed, was able to lift his foot from the accelerator and steer the Subaru Legacy station wagon to the side of the road.
Police say they are keeping an open mind about what killed Mr Hale, but the search will continue for something that may have come off another vehicle.
Detective Sergeant Brian Cameron said officers have spoken to the driver of a white ute in the area at the time, and are appealing for other drivers who were on the road to come forward.
Mr Cameron said police are also considering the results of the post mortem.
