A bridge near Geraldine is holding up to a raging river as floodwaters rise in Canterbury.
Images captured by 1 NEWS show the Orari Bridge being pounded mercilessly by an Orari River swollen from floodwaters.
A section of a tree can be seen trapped under the bridge as water smashes against it.
It comes as the NZ Defence Force continues to help evacuate people and assist in the fight against flood waters.
"The New Zealand Army has sent soldiers, trucks and an ambulance from Burnham Military Camp," NZDF said in a statement.
"There are also personnel in headquarters command and control roles, and liaison officers in Ashburton, Timaru, Waimakariri and Selwyn emergency operations centres.
“Crew aboard a RNZAF NH90 helicopter rescued three people from floods in the Ashburton area overnight. One man, who was in a tree surrounded by floodwater in the vicinity of Darfield, was rescued after he jumped from the tree and attempted to swim and was swept away.
"The crew scoured the water for about 30 minutes before locating the man and plucking him to safety. The crew also rescued an elderly couple from the roof of a car near Ashburton Forks.
"A second NH90 has been placed on standby to assist if required."
Helicopter images supplied to 1 NEWS show slips and flooding on Double Hill Run Road heading up the Rakaia Gorge in Canterbury today.
Simon Werthmuller of Rakaia Helicopters took the dramatic pictures which also show a flooded out Redcliffs Bridge.
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