Two people have been critically injured in a road accident near Paraparaumu, north of Wellington.

Two cars collided on the old State Highway 1 near the Raumati off-ramp about 7.45am.

Both victims have been flown to hospital and diversions are in place. The Fire Service said both victims had to be cut from the wreckage.

South-bound traffic is using Raumati Rd and northbound traffic is being diverted via Poplar Ave.