A man who teaches driving skills to English police officers has been fined in Queenstown for driving at 178 kilometres an hour.

NZME. reports Peter Lee was convicted of driving at a dangerous speed after being clocked in a 100 kilometre an hour speed zone on State Highway 6 near Hokitika.

The Kent 46-year-old appeared for sentencing at the Queenstown District Court.

Judge Michael Crosbie appeared surprised when Lee told him what he does for a living.

He imposed a one thousand dollar fine, and if he fails to pay that in 24 hours, he'll face 21 days in jail.