New Zealand police said on Thursday that three people died and two were seriously injured when a passenger vehicle collided with a four-wheel-drive near the Southern Alps on Wednesday afternoon. They were still working to formally identify the victims.

"The vehicles have collided and the investigation will focus on exactly how that occurred," said Police Inspector Vicki Walker. "Losing so many lives at once is shocking and our hearts go out to those involved."

Two crash victims were airlifted to Christchurch Hospital, where one was said to be in critical condition. Police said "the deceased were part of a group visiting the district". The New Zealand Herald reported that the victims were part of the South Korean ski team.

Authorities in Seoul were not able to confirm the identity of those involved, but according to a foreign ministry spokesperson, "the local consulate has been offering essential consular assistance since soon after the incident took place".

The South Korean team is in New Zealand to compete at the Winter Games in Queenstown at Cardrona, Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, due to start on Friday.