A pilot and a glider pilot have crashed into the sea after they were able to land their glider in a watery cove in New Zealand.

The pilot, who is a student at the University of Auckland, was in a gliding training session and was flying the glider when he collided with the water in the Whangapumara River.

The glider crashed on Saturday morning.

The two pilots were on a routine training flight when the accident happened.

The pilot was airlifted to the Royal New Zealand Air Force base in Palmerston North and taken to Christchurch General Hospital.

An air ambulance took the pilot to Christ Christchurch University Hospital, but the pilot is expected to survive.

A helicopter was also sent to help recover the pilot and was expected to arrive in the afternoon.

A police investigation is under way.

More to come.