A Whakatane motorcyclist has died after a crash in Bay of Plenty yesterday.

Police said the motorcyclist was travelling towards Rotorua about 3pm when he collided with a car that was coming out of a driveway in Awakeri, a farming area southwest of Whakatane.

The motorcyclist was airlifted to Tauranga Hospital with serious injuries and died early last night, police said.

The driver of the car, the sole occupant, was taken to Whakatane Hospital with minor injuries.

Police were investigating but did not believe alcohol or speed were factors.

Police said the motorcyclist's name would be released after 4pm today.

- NZPA