The publican of a remote West Coast hotel has died after being punched in the face by a woman during a late-night drinking session, police say.

Westport police said David White, owner of the Little Wanganui Hotel about 20 kilometres south of Karamea, intervened in a disagreement between two female patrons about 2.30am yesterday.

One of the women allegedly punched Mr White in the head and he fell to the floor where he died.

Paramedics tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate Mr White, who is believed to have been aged 42. The incident at the only pub in Little Wanganui has rocked the tiny settlement but it did not surprise one local resident. "We know who did it and she is an absolute mad woman."

Inspector Alan Weston, of southern police communications, could not say whether either of the women were in custody or if charges had been laid.

Mr White had been at the hotel for about five years with his partner, Kirsty Barkman, and their daughter.

However, the hotel is for sale and Mr White had only just agreed to drop the asking price, real estate agent Adrian Chisholm said.

"I guess he and his partner had come to the end of what they could do. Like a lot of these businesses, you do get burnout."

Dan Vos said his friend's death had shocked the community. "He was as strong as an ox. He could pick up three times what most men could. He walked like a locomotive.

"He was well-respected by the whole community. He used to run the cricket club for the young kids. He was a big sportsman and outdoors man."

Dave Webster, co-owner of Karamea's Last Resort retreat and bar, said the Little Wanganui Hotel was a traditional West Coast pub.

"The clientele wasn't rough but you can't always control who walks in your door."

By DAVE BURGESS - The Dominion Post