A 65-year-old woman is in Waikato Hospital after being found lying on the side of the road in Whangamata overnight.

Family members of the woman say she received moderate injuries after being involved in a hit and run incident around 10pm.

Police are investigating a hit and run incident where a woman was left lying on the side of the road.

Police say she was found lying on State Highway 25/Tairua Road, near the Whangamata sewage treatment ponds before being flown to Waikato Hospital.

'The road was closed for approximately 4.5 hours while the Waikato Serious Crash Unit examined the scene,” says a statement from police.

'The 65-year-old was a local woman out for a walk, southbound on Tairua Road, a regular walking route for her. She was clipped by a northbound vehicle between 8 and 9pm.”

She was wearing black three quarter length jogging pants and a pink tee shirt.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this incident or have knowledge of the vehicle involved.

Please report sightings to the Whangamata Police Station on (07) 865 0300, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.