Searchers looking for the driver of a truck that plunged into a ravine near Kaikoura will begin clearing debris and freight from the site.
The truck, carrying hazardous materials, crashed about 20 metres down a bank in the Hundalee Hills near the intersection of Claverley Road at about 5.30am on Wednesday.
Sergeant Graeme Crosson says the tractor unit and trailer were winched onto the roadside yesterday by crane, but an extensive search has failed to find any sign of the driver.
Mr Crosson says the terrain is challenging and it was decided last night to suspend the search until first light Friday.
The truck plunged down a bank off SH1 south of Kaikoura. Photo: WESTPAC RESCUE CHRISTCHURCH
