The Central North Island's Desert Road has been closed between Rangipo and Waiouru.

A stock truck, carrying cattle, has rolled.

The key patch of State Highway 1 is shut near Paradise Valley Road. 

A police spokesperson said they were called to the scene at 1.10pm today.

The truck driver is uninjured but there are cattle on the road.

Police are now advising motorists to avoid the area as the road is expected to be closed for several hours as emergency services and veterinary staff clear the scene.

There's a detour in place, but it adds about 40 minutes to the trip.

Fire and emergency shift manager Karen Larking said they had four crews at the scene, from Waiouru and Turangi.

They were currently helping police and vet staff remove cattle from the truck.