An Oamaru man's been arrested, after a high-powered laser was pointed at the Otago Rescue Helicopter

It was shone at the helicopter for a total of four minutes, while it travelled over North Oamaru on Monday night.

Sergeant Tony Woodbridge says it was able to track the offender's location, and followed the man as he drove onto Thames Highway, heading out of town.

He says the crew guided officers on the ground, helping them arrest the 39-year-old at a service station.

The man's due to appear in court next Wednesday.