Debris was strewn 100m along road, which is now blocked.
Fire and Emergency NZ shift manager Murray Bannister said firefighters were called to the scene by St John Ambulance crews at 8.35am.
SH1 ATIAMURI - ROAD OPEN - FINAL UPDATE 6:45PM, FRI 29 MAR
Vehicle recovery has been completed and this section of SH1...
Posted by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Waikato BoP on Thursday, 28 March 2019
A police spokeswoman said they were alerted at 8.34am to the collision on the stretch between Ongaroto Rd and Tirohanga Rd.
He said there was a "significant amount" of debris, including timber, strewn for about 100m along the road.
Both vehicles collided head-on, he said.
A St John spokeswoman said they got a call at 8.35am. A helicopter was sent to the scene, she said.
Two ambulances were also sent but there was only one patient.
SH1 and SH30 are currently closed and motorists are advised to expect delays, police say.
