An Air New Zealand flight was forced to return to Christchuch last night, after a wheel in the main landing gear made contact with an object on departure

Now we might know what it was.

Air New Zealand believe flight NZ5759 came into contact with a runway light on take-off, leading to the unexpected landing of the Dunedin-bound plane.

A spokesperson for the airline says an initial investigation has found scuff marks on one of the tyres of the ATR-72 turboprop aircraft.

It's since been checked by engineers and went back into service this morning.

Air New Zealand says the safety of customers and crew is paramount, which is why the pilots decided to return to Christchurch for checks.