Canterbury Police have arrested a man they believe tried to abduct a woman this morning.

Around 8.30am, a 37-year-old woman alleges the man tried to grab her as she walked along Marine Parade in New Brighton.

He was driving a navy blue Nissan station wagon and stopped to talk to her through his passenger window.

Police investigations are still ongoing but they're asking anyone with information to come forward.

The 38-year-old man will appear in the Christchurch District Court next week.