Police have confirmed two people have died following a glider crash at Mt Tauhara, near Taupo on Sunday afternoon.

Emergency services were notified of the crash about 2.45pm.

Police said that due to darkness, weather conditions and location, the two deceased occupants and the glider will remain under Police guard until Monday morning.

A spokesperson for the Tauhara Mountain Trust said a rahui has been placed on the mountain.

"Out of respect for the families, the Tauhara Mountain Trust has placed a rahui on the mountain for five days, ending at sunrise on Saturday 6 June.

'This is effective immediately and the Trust asks that the public and whanau respect the rahui.”