A section of Te Puke Highway is closed this morning after serious crash involving a motorbike.

Emergency services were called to the crash at 7.15am, near the intersection of State Highway 2.

Police said the rider sustained critical injuries.

Hato Hone St John said they responded to the crash with one helicopter, two ambulances, two operations managers and one rapid response vehicle.

“One patient is being taken by helicopter to Middlemore Hospital in a critical condition and a second patient has been taken by ambulance to Tauranga Hospital in a moderate condition.”

Police advised motorists to avoid the area and expect delays.

“The Serious Crash Unit have been notified.”

Fire and Emergency New Zealand northern fire communications shift manager Colin Underdown said the crash involved only a motorcycle.

“Crews were assisting with getting the injured person to medical care, with an ambulance helicopter understood to have been dispatched.”