One person has critical injuries and a second has moderate injuries.
A Wellington Free Ambulance spokesperson confirmed they transported two people to Wellington Hospital.
Motorists were asked to detour through Newtown or to head around the bays.
UPDATE 8:20AM Due to a serious prior crash on SH1 Paterson St, The Mt. #Victoria Tunnel remains CLOSED. The shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists is now open, however. ^CR https://t.co/NfrDtBunuU
— Waka Kotahi Wellington (@WakaKotahiWgtn) June 11, 2019
Buses also experienced delays, and Wellington Airport advised customers catching a flight to plan ahead.
TRAFFIC DELAY: Mt Victoria tunnel is currently closed so please consider alternate routes if heading to the airport. Please check with @NZTAWgtn for updates. pic.twitter.com/oahMCCfh5z
A spokesperson said fire crews freed a person who was trapped in a vehicle.
The Serious Crash Unit was on site.
SH1 MT VICTORIA TUNNEL - CRASH - 6:15AM Due to a crash on Paterson St, the tunnel is CLOSED in both directions. Please use an alternate route via Newtown or Harbour Bays and expect DELAYS. ^CR pic.twitter.com/YdZnp4hkK8
— Waka Kotahi Wellington (@WakaKotahiWgtn) June 11, 2019
Meanwhile people heading south from Auckland this morning have reported heavy delays after a truck breakdown on State Highway 1 just after the Mill Rd on-ramp near the Bombay Hills.
The breakdown just after 6am had been towed clear of lanes by 8am but delays and congestion were expected.
UPDATE 8:05AM This breakdown now towed clear of lanes. Allow extra time for congestion southbound through the Bombay area to ease. ^TPhttps://t.co/AJi3WwxMLb
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) June 11, 2019