Seven people hospitalised after car rolls on Auckland's Rothesay Bay Beach

The seven were in a single car which rolled while being driven on Rothesay Bay Beach. Photo / File

Police say they will today talk to several people who were involved in a vehicle crash on an Auckland beach which put several people in hospital.

"Several people are assisting police with inquiries following a serious crash at Rothesay Bay in Auckland overnight, the police said.

Shortly after midnight, a Toyota Hilux — with a number of people in the vehicle and on the tray — was reportedly doing doughnuts on the beach before it rolled.

The vehicle was righted and the driver fled the scene.

Police arrived to find seven people still on the beach – one youth seriously injured and six others with moderate to minor injuries.

The seriously injured youth was airlifted to Auckland City Hospital. The others were taken to North Shore Hospital.

The driver, aged 18, returned to the scene, with the vehicle located nearby, the police said.

The Waitematā East Area Commander, Inspector Sundip Patel, said alcohol was a factor.

"This group has made some bad decisions, which have been irresponsible and reckless, and as result seven people have been injured, one very seriously.

I cannot emphasise enough the need to not take risks with lives when driving, and ensure others are not put in danger.

"At this time, our thoughts are with the injured youth and his family.

"Beaches are not safe for driving on with the constantly changing environment and debris."

Police would speak to those involved who had been medically cleared.

The Serious Crash Unit is investigating.

Earlier today, the initial information was that seven people had been taken to hospital after a car rolled.

St John Ambulance said all seven were in a single car which rolled while being driven on Rothesay Bay Beach just after midnight.

One person is critically injured and the rest moderately.

They were taken to Auckland and North Shore hospitals.