Six people were on board a helicopter that crashed north of Kaikōura this afternoon, the police have confirmed.

Emergency services are responding to reports of a helicopter crash on the beach near the Kekerengu Rivermouth, north of Kaikōura. 

The six people involved in the crash, on the beach near the Kekerengu Rivermouth, include the pilot and five passengers.

Police said emergency services were alerted to the crash at 12.40pm.

They said they are working with other emergency services and will provide information on injuries as soon as they are able to.