Three crashes in just over an hour have caused serious injuries and traffic delays days before Christmas. 

The first crash occurred at 1pm on State Highway 25 and closed the road in between Whangamatā and Hikuai. A police spokesperson told the Herald the crash was between a motorcyclist and a car, and that people have been seriously injured. 

The road will likely remain closed for the rest of the day and motorists should detour. 

The second crash occurred just half an hour later in the Bay of Plenty, on Whakamaru Road. 

A police spokesperson said the initial indication was that people had been seriously injured in the crash. 

Waka Kotahi said delays were likely and a road closure was possible. 

Further south, another crash occurred on State Highway 6 near Wānaka. A reporter at the scene described the intersection at which the crash occurred, near Morris Road as “notorious”. 

Emergency services respond to a crash on State Highway 6 near Wānaka. Photo / George Heard 

The road is currently blocked, and Waka Kotahi is warning motorists to expect delays and try to avoid the area where possible. 

A police spokesperson confirmed a helicopter had been sent out to the crash.