A soldier was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital after being injured by a gunshot at the Tekapo Military Camp on Thursday night. (File photo)

A New Zealand Army soldier suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder during an exercise at the Tekapo Military Training Facility on Thursday night.

The soldier, a private based at Burnham Military Camp, outside Christchurch, was taking part in a night live-firing exercise when the incident took place, according to an NZ Defence Force (NZDF) statement.

The man was treated by NZ Army medics at the scene, before being taken to Fairlie by an NZDF ambulance, and then airlifted to Christchurch Hospital, the statement said. The injured soldier was reported to be in a stable condition and scheduled to undergo surgery on Friday afternoon.

"The soldier and his family are being supported by the NZ Army," the statement said.

"The live-firing component of the exercise was suspended immediately following the incident.

"Strict rules govern live-firing ranges and contingency plans are in place, which were immediately carried out."

The statement said an investigation into the incident was being launched.