One person is in critical condition following a two car crash between Paengaroa and Rotorua.

Emergency services were called to the crash on State Highway 33 at Okere Falls just before 12am.

Due to the serious nature of the crash, the highway was closed for several hours.

"One person was critically injured and airlifted to Waikato Hospital," says a police spokesperson.

Another person sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Rotorua Hospital by road ambulance.

"The road was closed for several hours and reopened at 5.10am."