State Highway 2 near Pāpāmoa has fully reopened after a serious crash that injured five people.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said at 6.25pm the previously closed southbound lanes, between Sandhurst Dr and Domain Rd, had reopened.

Police earlier said they were alerted to the two-vehicle crash about 3.40pm.

Police said one person had received serious injuries, while two others sustained moderate to minor injuries.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said it assessed five patients at the scene.

Three, all in moderate condition, were being taken to Tauranga Hospital.

The two remaining patients, both with minor injuries, were treated at the scene and did not need ambulance transport.

A driver who called SunLive earlier said traffic was backing up on the highway.