The condition of a man left with critical injuries after being stabbed during a confrontation in the Queenstown CBD has improved.
Senior Sergeant Steve Watt, of Queenstown, today said the man, who was flown to Dunedin Hospital, had improved to a stable condition after earlier being critical.
However, he faced an extended recovery after the stabbing, which took place early yesterday.
A second man, flown separately to Dunedin, also suffered stab wounds during the incident. He remained in a stable condition.
Detective Senior Sergeant Malcolm Inglis, of Queenstown, said a third male had been hit by a bottle during a fight in Camp St about 2.20am. It was not known if he was injured as he had not yet contacted the police.
Det Snr Sgt Inglis said the brawl followed "some sort of confrontation" between two groups, involving up to 15 people.
St John was called to the incident at 2.24am and subsequently transported one male from Camp St to Lakes District Hospital.
He was then taken by helicopter to Dunedin Hospital.
An hour later, at 3.26am, an ambulance was called to a St Georges Ave address, on Queenstown Hill between Highview Tce and Goldfield Heights.
Another male, also with stab wounds, was found there in a serious condition.
Police believed he was injured during the earlier confrontation.
He, too, was taken by ambulance to Lakes District Hospital before being flown to Dunedin.
Det Snr Sgt Inglis said police were still looking for a knife, which may be in the Queenstown CBD.
Anyone who located it was asked to call 111 immediately.
"There were a considerable number of people and vehicles passing through the area at the time.
"Police would like to hear from anyone who either witnessed or was involved in this incident."
One Queenstown resident told the Otago Daily Times he believed the fight happened on the Village Green, opposite McDonald's.
A cordon was erected while a scene examination was carried out, but it had been removed by 8.30am.
Police would be reviewing footage from CCTV cameras in the area.
Meanwhile, a man was stabbed following a fight in Timaru about 2.20am yesterday.
A Timaru man was taken to hospital and was in a stable condition, Stuff reported. A 19-year-old Timaru man had been arrested and charged with assault.
Police: 105; Crimestoppers: 0800 555-111.
