Tapapa crash: One dead in SH5 crash near Rotorua

State Highway 5 northwest of Rotorua has now opened after a fatal crash early this morning.

One person died after a single-vehicle crash on the highway at Tapapa. Police were notified of the crash at about 3.10am.

In an update at 11.55am, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said SH5 was still closed between SH36 and SH28 while a serious crash investigation took place.

Motorists were urged to delay their journey or face long delays.

UPDATE 11:55AM#SH5 remains closed between SH28 and SH36. Follow the detour and expect delays. ^MF https://t.co/XQkTdBPemi

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) June 2, 2022

An hour later it advised the section of road was clear and open.

Police said the single occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

Cordons are in place where State Highway 5 intersects with Harwoods Rd and Tapapa Rd.

Fitzgerald Glade Cafe owner Edward Lawrence said be believed the vehicle involved hit a tree west of the glade.

"The road has been closed since 3am. Our concern is with the family of the person involved."

Lawrence said four trucks had been parked outside the cafe all morning.

"They have been coming in for their toasties and coffee. The road should be open sooner rather than later."

It's the second fatal crash in two days in the region after a person died on SH5 at Waimangu, south of Rotorua on Wednesday night.