Two of the three people who died in a multi-vehicle crash near Lake Tekapo yesterday were Malaysian students at the University of Canterbury

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim shared condolences to the two families on social media, and says three other Malaysian students were injured.

Police have confirmed a motorcyclist and two people in a vehicle together died -- five others were injured, three were flown to hospital.

Malaysia's Foreign Affairs Ministry says the High Commission, assisted by the Malaysian community in Christchurch, is providing consular assistance to the victims and next-of-kin.

The Ministry and High Commission are ready to assist if next-of-kin decide to repatriate their remains to Malaysia.