A male pilot is in Christchurch hospital with moderate injuries after a helicopter crash north of Christchurch on Thursday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the scene at 4.30pm.
A two seat 2011 Guimbal Cabri helicopter. Photo: CAA
Police spokesperson Stephen Hill says the helicopter was being flown on a training flight when it crashed.
He says the pilot suffered what are believed to be moderate spinal injuries and was flown to hospital.
He was a qualified pilot who was getting flight instructor training.
The second occupant, who was uninjured, was the flight instructor.
Radio New Zealand understands the instructor worked for Harewood-based Pacific Helicopter Training.
The helicopter is believed to have been flying at a relatively low level and hit the ground heavily just north of the Waimakariri River.
