Two people have escaped without serious injury, after their car careered off a seven metre cliff near the Otago town of Kakanui

Police say a vehicle with two people inside went over a grass lay-by, down a seven metre high cliff, and onto the beach about 9.30 last night.

The driver and one passenger were stranded on a small gravel beach, surrounded by cliffs, as the water lapped the vehicle.

After being winched to safety, the driver was taken to Oamaru Hospital with minor injuries, while the passenger escaped unhurt.