The wife of a cyclist killed in a crash on Christchurch’s Port Hills today arrived at the scene moments after the accident, a witness says.

The witness, local man Ralph Freeman, was also cycling on Dyers Pass Rd when he saw a collision involving the cyclist and a car, Stuff is reporting

Freeman told Stuff another cyclist, the crash victim’s wife, came down the hill moments later.

The man died at the scene.

Christchurch police earlier made a public appeal for the driver of “small white hatchback” to come forward after the accident.

Emergency services were called to the scene, on Dyers Pass Rd, north of Governors Bay, about 10.20am on Friday.

Fire and Emergency NZ crews from the Governors Bay, Spreydon and Christchurch City stations assisted police and Hato Hone St John staff at the scene.

“Sadly, the cyclist was pronounced deceased at the scene,” Senior Sergeant Chris Wakelin said in a statement.

“Our thoughts are with their loved ones during this difficult time.”

As part of the investigation, police said they wanted to speak with the driver of a small white hatchback that was travelling south on Dyers Pass Rd towards Governors Bay about 10.20am on Friday.

Police believe the driver may have information that could assist with their investigation.

Anyone who may know the driver of the white hatchback or has information about the crash should call the police on 105 or go to 105.police.govt.nz and use file number P067881921.

Dyers Pass Rd was closed between Summit and Governors Bay Rds following the incident.

Freeman told Stuff both the rider and his wife were wearing proper cycling gear, and he had seen her riding on Dyers Pass Rd before.

“There was just no way he could have anticipated the crash.”

Freeman told Stuff the cyclist was heading uphill when a driver behind him slowed right down, holding back rather than attempting to overtake him.

Coming down the hill in the opposite direction were two vehicles – a white car followed closely by a second car.

Freeman told Stuff the white car suddenly stopped, and the driver appeared distressed.

“I saw her face – she looked terrified,” he said.

“Behind her, the second car hit the brakes hard in an emergency stop, and a downhill cyclist smashed right into the back of it.”

-Allied Media