Person dies after falling from cliff at Little Pigeon Bay

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch
Jul 28, 2025 |
Police day photo: Chris Lynch Media (file)

A man has died after falling from a cliff in Banks Peninsula during a seafood gathering trip with friends.

Police said the man had been part of a group of four who were snorkelling and collecting kaimoana on Sunday at Little Pigeon Bay.

Senior Constable Anita Osborne of Akaroa Police said the group had climbed up a bank to get around a rocky outcrop due to the tide.

The man reportedly began to feel unwell and then fell onto the rocks below.

One of his companions immediately began CPR, while another ran to an area where they could get cellphone reception and called 111.

“Tragically, despite the efforts of the man’s friends and emergency services staff, the man was unable to be revived,” Osborne said.

Police, along with Land Search and Rescue, responded to the remote location, and the man’s body was airlifted out of the area.

The death has been referred to the Coroner.

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email [email protected]

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