The car was removed from the water yesterday afternoon.
Police have since confirmed the dead driver was the sole occupant, the spokesperson said.
“Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones.”
SH1 was closed yesterday following the crash.
Late last night, one person died at the scene of a three-vehicle crash on State Highway 4 in Erua, Ruapehu.
Emergency services were called to the scene about 11.10pm.
Another person sustained critical injuries, and four others received minor injuries.
Hato Hone St John sent four ambulances, a rural response vehicle and a helicopter to the scene, with one person flown to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition and three with minor injuries taken to Taumarnui Hospital.
A fifth patient with minor injuries did not require hospital treatment.
Fire and Emergency sent three fire trucks and extricated one person from their vehicle.
The serious crash unit attended the incident.
Inquiries into the circumstances of both crashes are underway.