UPDATE 10.30AM: A section of State Highway 1 near Taupo is open again following a serious crash that left two people trapped.

Two people have been airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after a two car crash at Motutere about 8am.

A serious crash has blocked SH1 at Motutere near Taupo.

Both people injured were initially trapped in the vehicles, but have since been removed and airlifted to hospital.

The police serious crash unit, St John Ambulance and firefighters were called to the crash that blocked the highway for about two hours.

At 10.30am police reported the highway is open again.

At the scene? Got information? Phone 0800 SUNLIVE