A 20-year-old Riverton man has died today (10 Oct) after being swept away in the upper reaches of the Lower Waiau River.

The deceased man was found near the Monowai Lake Road in Blackmount.

Police were alerted by the man's friends.

The man was located a short time later by helicopter, deceased.

The search involved Police staff from Tuatapere and Te Anau, Southern Lakes helicopter with a Fiordland Marine Search and rescue crew from Te Anau, a local jet boat operator and volunteers from local residents and farm workers.

Police said the body had now been removed from the river and the matter will be referred to the coroner.