Tauranga Police are investigating the cause of a crash which killed a 22-year-old motorcyclist in Matapihi early this morning.

Western Bay of Plenty Highway Patrol Sergeant Mike Own says a a Suzuki 650 motorcycle travelling west on Matapihi Road when it crashed with a stationary digger about 2.20am.

Police are appealing for information regarding a fatal crash in Matapihi this morning. File photo.

'The digger was being used for ongoing excavation in the area but was not operating at the time of the crash.

'The motorcyclist, a 22-year-old Tauranga man, died at the scene.”

The crash saw Matapihi Road closed for three hours while emergency services attended the scene.

'The Police Serious Crash Unit attended and investigations are continuing into the cause of the crash,” says Mike.

'The name of the deceased will not be released until next of kin have all been advised. No further comment will be made until such time as this is done.”

Police would like anyone who saw the motorcycle in the vicinity of Matapihi Road around the time of the crash to contact the Tauranga Police Station on 577 4300.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.