Shocking morning on New Zealand's roads after three killed in crashes

Road users can expect delays around Erua on SH4 after a fatal crash closed the road. Photo / Wanganui Chronicle

Three people are dead in a horror morning on the roads.

Two people died after a crash between a car and truck on State Highway 4 near National Park, and another died after a car hit a tree on State Highway 7.

In the North Island's Central Plateau police are attending to the fatal crash that happened near Erua, between Ohakune and Tongariro National Park shortly before 8am.

Detour route. Photo / NZTA

The driver and a passenger in the car died.

Road users can expect delays on SH4 at Erua after the fatal crash closed the road.

SH4 is closed between State Highway 47 and State Highway 49.

Northbound traffic can travel around Mt Tongariro by using SH1. Southbound traffic can do the same.

The detour could add an extra hour to an hour and a half to a journey.

Road users should expect delays following the crash. Photo / Wanganui Chronicle

Another person has been killed after a car crashed into a tree just before 7.30am at the intersection of State Highway 7 and Hurunui Bluff Rd.

Police and emergency services are attending the fatal crash in the Hurunui District.

SH7 has reopened to one lane of traffic with a stop/go in place, after having been closed earlier because of the crash.

"Motorists should take extra care when driving in the area," said Steven Mann, travel information adviser, Christchurch Transport Operations Centre.

The Serious Crash Unit is investigating, police said.​