Taranaki Police are investigating a fatal crash where a car and bus collided on State Highway 3, Awakino at approximately 12.30pm yesterday.

An Intercity Bus with 21 people on it was travelling southbound, and a car was travelling northbound when the crash occurred near the southern end of the Awakino Gorge which is north of New Plymouth.

The driver of the car, who was also the sole occupant, died at the scene.

The bus driver and passengers were left shaken but sustained no injuries.

Preliminary indications suggest the car has crossed the centreline and collided with the bus, however further inquiries are continuing in an effort to determine the crash factors.

Police, Ambulance, and the Fire Service attended the scene.

With support from the Serious Crash Unit and the Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit, Taranaki officers are currently conducting a scene examination and speaking to witnesses.

The Awakino Gorge section of State Highway 3 was closed for 2 hours earlier today but one lane is now operational.

It is expected that the road will be fully open in the next few hours.

A replacement bus is on its way to pick up the passengers and transport them to their intended destination of New Plymouth.

No further details about the man will be released until formal ID is complete and next of kin has been informed.

Source: New Zealand Police.