A fatal crash closed State Highway 1, south of Christchurch, for about four hours on Wednesday.

The man who died in a nose-to-tail crash between two trucks south of Christchurch has been named.

He was 63-year-old Robin Vivian Drummond from Tapanui, west Otago.

The crash closed State Highway 1 for several hours near the intersection with Trents Rd, in Templeton.

GEORGE HEARD/FAIRFAX NZ A logging truck driver has died in a collision with another truck near Christchurch.

A Police spokesman said the Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit and Serious Crash Unit were investigating the accident.

Fire Service spokesman Brent Dunn said three crews were called at 7.27am on Wednesday to help cut a person out of their vehicle.

Drummond, the male driver of the logging truck, died at the scene.

Senior Sergeant Paul Reeves said it appeared the logging truck hit the back of the other truck.

The driver of the second truck, belonging to Hilton Haulage, was not injured and was receiving support from his employers.

Hilton Haulage chief executive Scott Crampton said his thoughts were with the family of the dead driver.

"It's a tragedy whichever way you look at it. We are supporting our driver, he's shaken up, there's no question about it.

"[It's] not a good day all round."

Crampton said he would be make contact with the owners of the other trucking company on Wednesday.

"We are one big family like any industry is. Regardless of fault – and I have absolutely no details of that today – it's a terrible situation."

State Highway 1 reopened just after 11.30am.

A St John Ambulance spokesman said a crew attended but did not take anyone to hospital.