Three people, including a seven-year-old boy, remain in Tauranga Hospital following a multi-vehicle crash at Matapihi on Saturday morning.

The crash, which blocked State Highway 29A to traffic for several hours, happened near the end of the uphill passing lane north of the Maungatapu causeway.

Eight people were injured in multi-vehicle smash on Saturday.

Eight people were taken to Tauranga Hospital as a result of the mid-morning crash.

Five of the eight were treated and discharged on Saturday, says a Tauranga Hospital spokesperson.

A 51-year-old man from Te Puke, a 26-year-old man from Tauranga, and a seven-year-old boy from Tauranga are still in hospital.

All are in a stable condition.

Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.