A man who lost a wallet with $1290 in it didn't bother to report it to police.

He got the money back though, because the person who found it last weekend handed it into Lyttelton police station.

Officers tracked down the owner of the wallet, who was both shocked and very grateful to get the money back.

He hadn't reported it was lost because he didn't expect to see it again.

"We often hear about the bad things that go on, but this man's compassion for the owner of the wallet is a good reminder that there are a lot of positives happening around us every day," says Sergeant Dave Knowles.

"His honesty is to be commended and it's a great sign that community spirit is still alive and well in Lyttelton."