An American tourist has admitted causing the deaths of two Northland women and injuring a man in a crash near Kerikeri.

Thomas James Springer, from San Francisco, appeared in Kaikohe District Court yesterday charged over the double fatality which happened on State Highway 10, at the junction of Puketona Road in Oromahoe, on Saturday.

Kylee-Anne Rakich, 29, from Ahipara, and Whangarei woman Virginia Keogh, 44, died at the scene.

A 21-year-old man, who was driving their vehicle, was airlifted to Whangarei Hospital in a stable condition.

An eight-year-old passenger was also taken to hospital.

The 66-year-old tourist has pleaded guilty to two counts of careless use of a motor vehicle causing death and one of careless use of a motor vehicle causing injury.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of three months jail and a $4000 fine.

Springer will reappear in Kaikohe District Court on Friday for sentencing.