State Highway 36, between Tauranga and Rotorua, is open after a serious crash.

Multiple people were injured after a two-vehicle crash on Tauranga Direct Rd between Hamurana Rd and Te Waerenga Rd about 5.30pm.

Hato Hone St John said three ambulances, one rapid response vehicle and one operations manager were dispatched to the scene at 5.33pm.

“We transported two people in a serious condition to Rotorua Hospital.”

Police said the serious crash unit was called in to investigate the crash and the road was closed for several hours while emergency services worked at the scene.

NZTA reports that the highway is open this morning.