A motorcyclist who police say was riding without a helmet and no lights, was taken to hospital after he crashed into a police car near St John Street earlier today.

An ambulance was called at 1.20am. The bike rider was seen by police in Cameron Road and failed to stop. A man in his 20s was taken to Tauranga hospital with what St John staff say are moderate injuries.

Acting police senior sergeant Steve Hindmarsh says Tauranga police were involved in a second short pursuit overnight when a driver U-turned his vehicle in front of a drink driving check point near the central city.

The driver was arrested in Park Street and charged with driving with excess breath alcohol, driving while disqualified and failing to stop. He was to appear in Tauranga District Court today.