One person has been killed in a crash on State Highway One north of Taupo, bringing the holiday road toll to nine.
Photo: ST JOHN NZ
People were trapped and one person killed when two cars crashed at Wairakei at 1pm today.
There were two people in each car and some of them had to be extracted by the Fire Service.
One person died at the scene.
Diversions would be in place until this evening, with southbound traffic directed around the scene via Palmer Mill Road, and northbound traffic diverted via Link Road.
The holiday road toll stands at nine.
AA spokesman Dylan Thomsen said last week the holiday period combined with a high number of international visitors and low petrol prices meant the roads were the busiest they had been in years.
Drivers needed to be patient, not pass or overtake or take "silly chances".
"Even if you've got a vehicle going a little bit slower than you in front, the best thing is keep a good following distance, keep relaxed and just wait for a safe opportunity to pass."
Slower drivers should also pull over when they could to let others pass, Mr Thomsen said.
