UPDATED 8.12pm:  A 32-year-old man has been found dead at the scene of a helicopter crash in the Lindis Pass area.

A 51-year-old male was flown to Dunedin Public Hospital with head and chest injuries.

Shortly before midday today, Southern Police were alerted to reports of the crash after an emergency beacon was activated. 

In difficult weather and terrain the Otago Rescue Helicopter from Dunedin and a private helicopter located the scene and helicopter believed to be a Robinson R22.

Police have secured the scene and notified the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of the crash.

A full investigation is being conducted by Police and the CAA.

Police are currently locating and notifying next of kin, no further details will be released at present. 

The two people are believed to have been the only ones on board.