Two unexplained deaths are being investigated in the South Island.

Police are investigating the death of a young woman in her 30s at a house in Canterbury.

Emergency services were called to a house on Main St, in the small town on Methven, about 9.30am yesterday. 

It has been revealed today that the woman was a mother of five. 

Investigators and forensic staff are examining the property, which remains under a scene guard cordon.

The property borders the Our Lady of the Snows School.

A post-mortem examination will be carried out on the woman, who is in her 30s, today.

Police are also investigating the death of a 44-year-old man Waimate.

Officers were called to a property on Belt Street at half past seven.

And a woman in her thirties was found dead in Methven, yesterday morning.

Scene examinations and post-mortems are underway.