A couple's attempt to clean their vehicle in a river led to a two hour rescue operation by police and the air force.
The pair became stranded in the middle of the Rangitikei River near Bulls and had to climb onto the roof of their ute to call for help.
Police say they had driven their 4WD vehicle to the water's edge to clean it, but the water took hold and they drifted into the middle of the fast-flowing river where they became stranded.
An inflatable raft was eventually used to get them.
The ute is still in the river with water up to the top of its windows.
