Police investigating a three car crash which killed one person and injured five others are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The crash happened at about 4.45pm on State Highway 5, near Tumunui.

One person is dead and five others were injured in a three car crash south of Rotorua on Sunday afternoon. Supplied photo.

'One person died in the crash while two were taken to Waikato Hospital and three to Rotorua Hospital,” says a statement from police.

'Police would like to hear from witnesses to the crash or anybody who observed the driving of the vehicles beforehand.”

The vehicles involved were a northbound bronze Nissan Murano and two southbound cars - a white Nissan Pulsar and a dark blue Mazda Axela.

Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call Rotorua Police on (07) 349 9400.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.