Three people are dead and four have been injured in a crash involving a truck and car, north of Kaikōura.
Emergency services were called to the scene about 3:10pm, on State Highway 1 at Hapuku, in the Tasman District.
A police statement confirmed three people died at the scene, while four others had a range of injuries - two of those critical.
Police said those injured have been taken to hospital by helicopters.
Authorities have closed the road while police investigate the crash.