Motorcyclist died on Tribute 29 Pike River Memorial Run

The scene at Henderson Valley Road, West Auckland, where a motorcyclist was killed this afternoon. Photo / Michael Craig

One of the four motorcyclists who died on New Zealand roads this weekend was doing it in memory of those killed in the Pike River explosion.

The rider was taking part in the Tribute 29 Pike River Memorial Run and died at the scene of the crash on Lower Buller Gorge Rd.

Two motorcyclists who died in Southland were on a charity run for the family of an unborn child with a heart condition.

The West Coast crash happened just after 4pm.

Sonya Rockhouse had two sons working in the Pike River mine - Ben - who died, and Daniel, one of the two survivors.

She was "incredibly sad" to hear of the motorcyclist's death and said she was thinking of the rider's family.

"These people were doing something to help us and pay tribute to us and for a life to be lost is incredibly sad," she said.

"I have been thinking about their family, we understand how they feel."

Tribute 29 is an annual ride in the South Island to commemorate the 29 men who died in the Pike River Mine explosion on November 19, 2010.

Monday will mark eight years since it happened.

SH6 INANGAHUA, WEST COAST - CRASH - 4:55PM
Due to a #crash between Meadows Road and Inangahua Junction, the road is down to one lane. Please take extra care in the area. ^CR pic.twitter.com/D6OJEgAilC

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Canterbury & West Coast (@WakaKotahiCWC) November 17, 2018

Police, fire and ambulance staff were called to a crash on Henderson Valley Rd, in West Auckland, about 3.20pm on Saturday.

A motorcycle had gone into a ditch.

A Fire and Emergency spokesman told the Herald one person had been killed.

Emergency services are at Henderson Valley Road, in West Auckland, where a motorcycle has gone into a ditch. Image / Google

Earlier, two people died in a motorcycle crash in Southland.

The two deceased, and another fighting for their life in hospital, crashed during a charity fundraising ride on a country road in Southland.

Three motorcycles carrying three riders were involved in the crash.

There were no other vehicles in the crash, police said.

It occurred at 12.45pm at the intersection of Fairfax Isla Bank Rd and Riverton-Otautau Rd.

The road was expected to be closed for a some time while the Serious Crash Unit investigated.