A driver in northern NSW has crashed his four-wheel-drive into a lake after panicking when he spotted a spider on him.

The man, who has not want to be identified, was taking some rubbish to the tip on Tuesday morning when he saw a huntsman as he approached a bend, Port Macquarie News reports.

"I meant to hit the brake but instead I accidentally hit the accelerator," he said.

Instead of negotiating the bend the man sped over the bank of Lake Cathie and straight into the water.

The driver's panic then probably increased as he was unable to open his car's locked door.

Fortunately he managed to crawl out through the open window as the car sank.

"I was surprised at how deep it was," the man said.

Paramedics attended the scene in the greater Port Macquarie area and treated the driver for minor injuries.