A man's body has been found in a deep hole near Kumara on the West Coast.
Police said they were working to recover the body, which was found about 2.15pm today.
Police said the man's body was found by workers checking powerlines following this morning's earthquakes and aftershocks near Methven and Arthur's Pass.
Police said it appeared the man had fallen about 18 metres, and an investigation to establish the circumstances of the death was under way.
A search and rescue abseil team is enroute to the scene to assist with the recovery of the body.
Police said the death did not appear to be related to this morning's earthquakes, nor was it being treated as suspicious.
