A 21-year-old motocross rider is in Rotorua Hospital in a serious condition after coming off his bike during an event near Awakaponga.

The Mangakino rider was airlifted from the motorcross track, 50km North East of Rotorua, with serious chest injuries after the Rotorua based BayTrust Rescue Helicopter was dispatched about 3.30pm on Sunday.

The Rotorua based BayTrust Rescue Helicopter upon landing at the motocross track. Photo: Supplied.

BayTrust Rescue Helicopter pilot Barry Vincent says the 21-year-old received medical assistance initially from medic's attending the event and then from the St John ICP carried on board the helicopter.

Once stabilised he was then flown as low as possible, due to the injuries, to hospital for further treatment.

'The helicopter was despatched due the nature of the man's injuries and the distance from a suitable hospital.”

The call out follows the rescue helicopter attending the fatal crash at Paengaroa earlier on Sunday having just being stood down from a medical event near Ruatahuna.