The pilot of a helicopter has died after crashing near Eyrewell in Waimakariri.

Emergency services were called to the light aircraft crash near a Waimakariri aerodrome about 5.20pm on Tuesday.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dan Overend said the helicopter’s pilot was the sole occupant and died at the scene.

Police are supporting the pilot’s family while enquiries into the circumstances of the crash continue.

The crash scene has been secured overnight, with recovery and examination work due to resume on Wednesday.

The Civil Aviation Authority has been notified and will attend the scene as part of its investigation.

Police said no further information was available on Tuesday night.