Three people have died as a result of a crash involving a car and a truck on State Highway 1 north of Kaikōura.
Another person has critical injuries, and three others have moderate to serious injuries.
Helicopters have assisted in transporting the injured to hospital and the road remains closed while police are at the scene.
The circumstances of the crash will be investigated.
SH1 HAPUKU - ROAD CLOSED - CRASH - 4:00 PM FRI 6 DEC
— NZTA Canterbury/WC (@NZTACWC) December 6, 2019
Due to a serious crash SH1 is currently CLOSED between Mangamaunu and Hapuku near the intersection with Kiwa Rd. Please follow directions of emergency services on site. https://t.co/rwtjWyDtNo. ^JP pic.twitter.com/OydXN3JvAP