A woman's been charged with aggravated careless driving causing death - over a fatal crash near Queenstown on Monday

The 26-year-old's due in court in January .

39-year-old Amon Saunders died off State Highway Six, between Cromwell and Queenstown, when his car plunged down a cliff and was left hanging above the Kawarau River.

Police have acknowledged the courage of those first on the scene who climbed down the bluff - at personal risk - to provide first aid.