An elderly couple remain in a serious condition in Tauranga Hospital, following a crash in Bay of Plenty yesterday afternoon.

The crash, which involved two vehicles, occurred about 2.15 on State Highway 2 at Whakamarama.

A man who was driving a hired car south towards Tauranga died as a result of the collision, taking the official holiday road toll to one.

The elderly occupants of the other vehicle were taken to Tauranga Hospital, after they were cut free from their car by the Fire Service.

A 70-year-old man remains in a critical but stable condition in the intensive care unit today.

A 74-year-old woman is also in a serious but stable condition in the intensive care unit.

The couple are from Omokoroa.