It was a busy night for the Rotorua-based BayTrust Rescue Helicopter, which was called to two separate incidents overnight.

The Rotorua-based BayTrust Rescue Helicopter at the scene. Photo: supplied.

The rescue helicopter was called to Okere, north of Rotorua, to assist ambulance crews after a 58-year-old Auckland man suffered a serious medical condition on Saturday afternoon.

Ambulances were initially despatched, but a rescue helicopter spokesperson says the helicopter was called due to the seriousness of the man's condition.

The helicopter met the ambulances at a rest area on State Highway 33 before transporting the man to Waikato Hospital.

Shortly after landing back in Rotorua, the helicopter was again called to fly a CCU crew to Whakatane Hospital.

A 77-year-old Whakatane man required urgent transport to Waikato Hospital for treatment. A rescue helicopter spokesperson says this flight was completed with the crews using night vision goggles.

'The helicopter was used on both occasions due to the distances involved in patients reaching hospital and the time critical nature of their conditions”.