Katikati rider dead: road closed

A 48-year-old motorcyclist from Katikati is dead after a fatal crash near Whiritoa in the Coromandel.

The motorcyclist and a friend were riding from Athenree to Whangamata when one of the motorcyclists and a Toyota Surf utility vehicle crashed about 5km from Whiritoa shortly before 2pm. 

A motorcyclist is dead after a crash near Whiritoa. 

The road is currently closed while the serious crash unit investigate and police are advising motorists travelling to the Coromandel this evening to expect delays.

Sergeant Dave Litton of the Waihi Police said emergency services were called to the scene about 5km northeast of Whiritoa on SH25 shortly before 2pm.

"The crash is currently being investigated by the Serious Crash Unit to determine what caused the incident, however it appears a motorcyclist had been riding north on SH25 towards Whangamata when he has lost control on a moderate left hand bend.

Dave says the 48-year-old Katikati motorcyclist had been riding with a friend and the pair had set off on their motorbikes for Whangamata from Athenree.

"Crossing the centreline the motorcyclist has collided with an oncoming Toyota Surf utility and suffered fatal injuries.

"The two occupants of the Surf were uninjured but understandably quite shaken up."

The section of SH25 is expected to be closed until at least 6pm today.

"We would recommend motorists use SH25A between Kopu and Hikuai (the Kopu-Hikuai Rd) and rejoin SH25 from there."