At least 12 people have been injured in a three-car crash on State Highway 5 at Ohaaki, northeast of Taupō.

The crash happened shortly before 11am today.

Twelve people were hurt and their injuries ranged from moderate to serious, police said.

"Those injured have been taken to Rotorua Hospital for treatment."

The road is now open.

The crash had earlier closed SH5, with diversions put in place off SH5 at Ohaaki Rd and Aratiatia Rd. Motorists were warned to expect delays and asked to be patient.

A St John spokeswoman said initial reports were three people were injured, one seriously.

However, she said only one person has been taken to Rotorua Hospital in a moderate condition and one person who received minor injuries was assessed at the scene.

No more information was available at this time.

The accident comes after a fatal crash in Horowhenua overnight raised the holiday weekend road toll to six.

Police say a driver is dead after a crash in Tokomaru around 11.30pm.

The crash, involving two vehicles, occurred at the intersection of Makerua and Williams Rds.

The driver and sole occupant of one of the vehicles died at the scene, said police.

A passenger in the second vehicle suffered moderate injuries.

The grim tally comes after five other fatal accidents across the country since Friday.

Yesterday a person died after a car rolled on State Highway 35 in Tikitiki, on the East Coast north of Gisborne, shortly after 2pm .

And a critically injured motorcyclst is in Waikato Hospital after a serious crash north of Napier.

National road policing manager Acting Superintendent Gini Welch called it a "devastating start" to the weekend.

"Most people behave safely on the roads most of the time, but it only takes one risky decision or moment of inattention to result in tragedy. Ultimately, the actions of every driver and rider makes a difference."

Heavy rain and strong winds lashing the South Island are expected to hamper road conditions from this evening, with congestion expected as those on a weekend getaway return home tomorrow.

Waka Kotahi/NZTA urged motorists to plan ahead and be patient when they hit the inevitable traffic jams.

The Labour Weekend holiday road toll period ends at 6am on Tuesday.

Just one person died on our roads during the same holiday period in 2019.