A pedestrian has died after being hit by a car in Ōamaru this evening.

Emergency services responded to reports of a crash on State Highway 1 at the town's north end, around 5:55pm on Sunday (July 7), and the pedestrian died at the scene.

The highway is closed, while the Serious Crash Unit is at the scene, and diversions are in place at Redcastle and Fernbrook Roads. An investigation into the cause of the crash is under way.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and more information will be provided once it is available.