The 51-year-old man sought in relation to a "fleeing driver" incident at Te Anau yesterday morning has been apprehended.

Police yesterday said the man was believed to be carrying a firearm and should not be approached. The search for him included the use of two helicopters, the police armed offenders squad and dog units.

The man was located around 1pm. He will face multiple charges and is due to appear in the Invercargill District Court tomorrow.

About 9.25am yesterday, police attempted to stop a vehicle for a routine check in east Te Anau. The driver failed to stop and was pursued by police for about 30 minutes, during which time the vehicle was spiked. The driver abandoned the vehicle on State Highway 94, near Tutoko Lane and took off on foot.

Helicopters were stood down last night, although police maintained a presence in the search area overnight. The search resumed this morning.