Rolling Stone in Auckland hospital

Keith Richards is believed to have suffered a head injury while holidaying in Fiji. File picture / Greg Bowker

Rolling Stone Keith Richards is believed to be in an Auckland hospital after suffering a head injury while at an exclusive private island in Fiji.

The legendary lead guitarist is understood to have made the 3.5-hour emergency flight to New Zealand after a serious accident at the Wakaya Island resort. Mr Richards was holidaying on the island after this month's New Zealand tour.

Resort staff told the Herald on Sunday Mr Richards had been seriously injured, requiring emergency treatment in New Zealand.

The lead guitarist was admitted to Suva's private hospital on Friday but required medical attention only available in Auckland.

A Mercy-Ascot Hospital spokesman said last night: "There is no comment as to whether Keith Richards is a patient."

Unlike lead singer Mick Jagger, Richards, 62, kept a low profile while in Auckland and Wellington but is known for his hard-drinking, party lifestyle. He had a heroin addiction for many years.

Reports last night claimed Richards "injured himself" at the resort, a celebrity haven. A flight carrying a "celebrity passenger" is believed to have landed at Nausori, 30 minutes from Suva on Friday. Wakaya Island has just nine bures costing up to $7000 per night.

Richards is married to former fashion model Patti Hansen. They have two children, Theodora and Alexandra. It is not known if they were with him.