Three people have been critically injured in a serious crash that closed a major route to Bay of Plenty.
Two cars crashed head-on on State Highway 2 in the Karangahake Gorge, which runs between Paeroa and Waihi, the Fire Service said.
Two people were taken to hospital by road, while a third person was transported by rescue helicopter.
The gorge was closed for several hours.
Four people have already died in three separate crashes over the holiday weekend and police said drivers should take care and be patient.
