A motorist was killed near Wanaka this morning, apparently after being struck by an object that smashed through the windshield of his blue Subaru, police said.

His female passenger was uninjured in the 6.25am crash on State Highway 6, about 12km from Wanaka.

Police are seeking to talk to anyone who might have seen a white 4 x 4 ute heading out of Wanaka on the north side of the Maungawera Hill towards Hawea sometime around 6.15am to 6.45am.

Police said the ute may have been in the vicinity at the time the incident occurred and police would like to talk with the driver.

The road remains closed and detours are in place with a diversion via Camp Hill Road for traffic travelling towards Wanaka and via Domain Road for traffic travelling from Lake Hawea.

Detours are expected to remain in place for the next few hours while serious crash investigators examine the crash

scene.



People with any information can contact Wanaka Police on (03) 443 7272 or their nearest Police station.



Police said the Subaru was heading towards Wanaka but were withholding further details about the man until his next of kin could be notified.