A New Zealander has "died a hero" saving a group of young children in Samoa from being mown down by an alleged drunk driver.

Auckland man Christopher Limu, 29, died on Monday when hit by a car near his family's village Falefa, east of Apia.

Childhood friend Elisha Lane told One News that father-of-two Mr Limu sacrificed his own life to save the children.

"He was walking along the kerb with the kids and another lady ... he turned to see a four-wheel drive heading straight towards the children.

"He quickly grabbed them and threw them out of the way, taking the hit alone."

Ms Labe told One News that Mr Limu, who previously worked for Carter's Tyre Service on the North Shore, "always had a big heart" and in her eyes had "died a hero".

According to police reports seen by local publication Talamua, Mr Limu had only been in Samoa for two days.

A man has been kept in custody accused of driving under the influence of alcohol "at a very high speed", Talamua reports. He faces a charge of negligent driving causing death.

Police also suspect that the driver had fallen asleep at the wheel.