The man (22), has been charged with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and is due to appear in the Dunedin District Court today.
The partner, aged 19, contacted police yesterday afternoon to assure them she was safe and well.
In the aftermath of an incident, both fled the scene.
A police spokeswoman said they received a report of the incident about 10.30pm.
A Jackson St resident said the helicopter was flying low over St Kilda and St Clair from about midnight to 2am on Sunday, scouring Jackson and Moreau Sts with its search beam, together with Victoria Rd and Forbury Park Raceway.
It was accompanied by a heavy police presence, including dog teams, which were searching residents' driveways and backyards, he said.
A police spokeswoman said the woman was not in hospital.
