A father who deliberately drove off the road, killing his six-year-old son - has been released from prison

Niklas Gebhardt was jailed for manslaughter after driving through a bend near Rangiora Racecourse - at 130 kilometres an hour, in November 2019.

The car launched 24 metres in the air, hit a tree and burst into flames.

His son, Lachlan, died at the scene.

Gebhardt claims he had amnesia.

The 35-year-old was released last week, subject to a number of conditions.

The Parole Board ruled his risk of reoffending was low.