A 43-year-old man died when the Toyota Prado he was driving flipped on 90 Mile Beach on Friday night, while his three passengers were injured.
A 27-year-old man was flown to Whangarei Hospital, where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, by rescue helicopter, and a 24-year-old woman was taken by ambulance to Kaitaia Hospital. Both were described as in a critical condition.
A 21-year-old woman, who was in the back seat, suffered minor injuries. She was believed to be the only occupant who was wearing a seatbelt, and the only one not to be thrown from the vehicle.
The name of the deceased, who was believed to be local, has yet to be released.
The Northland Age understands the vehicle had accessed the beach at Waipapakauri Ramp, the driver then performing "skids."