Police pursued the vehicle for 25 seconds before it ploughed into traffic lights at the intersection of Colombo St and Wherstead Rd, Cashmere, about 1.40am, a police spokeswoman said.
She said the driver was signalled to stop by police due to the "nature of driving".
The driver suffered critical injuries, while a passenger in the vehicle sustained serious injuries.
Both were taken to Christchurch Hospital.
Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash. The Independent Police Conduct Authority is also investigating.
It comes 10 days after Kenneth McCaul was killed while driving to work at the hospital, after being struck by a fleeing driver.
