Police are looking for the driver of a ute following a hit-and-run in the Bay of Plenty.

The incident happened around 9.30 last night on the Te Puke Highway at the intersection with Maketu and Showground Roads.

A 19-year-old man is in a critical but stable condition in Waikato Hospital.

Bay of Plenty Detective Senior Sergeant Lewis Warner said the teenager was in the middle of the road and appears to have been struck by a ute, which police are yet to identify.

"Obviously we'd like the driver to come see us and explain what happened, and obviously anyone who saw it the information would be of benefit for our enquiries."

Sgt Warner said the ute has been described as grey or black with a flat deck.