A drunk pensioner terrifyingly drove her SUV off a wharf and into the sea before bystanders mounted a dramatic rescue effort to save her from the sinking car.

CCTV footage shows the drunk driver smashing through a glass bike shelter before falling into the water at the main passenger ferry terminal on Matiatia wharf, Waiheke Island, New Zealand, on Wednesday evening.

The four-door silver SUV can be seen driving onto the pavement and narrowly missing a stationary bus as it races towards the sea.

Metal and glass from the bike shelter smash into pieces as the car ploughs through it.

The car remains airborne for a moment before it tilts forward, crashing head first into the water.

It floats in the sea before beginning to fill up with water as its hazard lights blare.

A second camera angle shows the vehicle floating towards a different area of the pier, with the driver clinging to a door.

Concerned onlookers then quickly launch a rescue effort, with one woman climbing down a ladder as others attempt to hurl safety rings at the pensioner.

A drunk pensioner terrifyingly drove her SUV off a wharf and into the sea before bystanders mounted a dramatic rescue effort to save her from the sinking car

The four-door silver SUV could be seen driving onto the pavement and narrowly missing a stationary bus as it races towards the sea

Concerned onlookers then quickly launch a rescue effort, with one woman climbing down a ladder as others attempt to hurl safety rings at the pensioner

The driver was able to leave her vehicle and was then helped up the ladder to safety.    

She was treated by ambulance workers at the scene.

A boat armed with a crane was later called to haul out the car from the ocean floor, and it has since been returned to the owner.

Waiheke Island Police Sergeant Ray Matthews said the elderly woman had been drinking before she drove into the water.

‘Fortunately, the sole occupant of the vehicle was able to climb out and was helped by the public to safety.

‘Police have issued the 73-year-old woman an infringement notice for excess breath alcohol, allegedly returning a result of 290mcg/L [micrograms per litre of breath].’

Further charges are being considered, he added.  

A spokesperson for Auckland Transport said the damage to the bike shelter was being assessed.

The driver was able to leave her vehicle and was then helped up the ladder to safety

The drunk pensioner was later treated by ambulance workers at the scene and her car was returned

They added: ‘A portion of the shelter has been damaged – glass and structural.

‘If we want to replace like for like we need a full shelter replacement, so we are going to work through with the relevant stakeholders what the replacement or retrofit options may be. 

‘The replacement of shelter and railings will be done at a later stage following the area being made safe.

‘Our maintenance teams are on standby for Auckland Transport to decide the replacement option before either removing the shelter or replacing damaged parts.’