Police are at the scene of a "serious" crash near Taupō.
The crash involved two vehicles and happened just after 6pm between Motukino Rd and High Level Road on State Highway 5 in Iwitahi.
At least one person has been critically injured, police said, and the serious crash unit is investigating.
Waka Kotahi NZTA urged drivers to delay their journeys or allow significantly more time to get to their destination.
"Alternative routes are available, please allow up to five hours additional time to your journey," they tweeted.
They said SH5 is closed between Caroline Dr and Taharua Rd.
