Tourist bus crashes in Northland

It is not yet known the extent of the injuries or how many people were hurt as emergency services have only just reached the scene in Paparoa.

A tourist bus with 20 people on board has crashed north of Auckland.

Initial reports suggested there were 17 patients on board with multiple injuries, however it has now been clarified that there were 20 passengers with one person injured.

St John spokesman Robbie Walker said one person was injured with minor injuries and has been transported to Northland Base Hospital by ambulance.

The crash happened about 3.30pm in Paparoa, on State Highway 12.

Whangarei Police Senior Sergeant Cliff Metcalfe said the bus slipped off the road, clipped a bank and came to a rest.

It was towed from the scene and another bus was being sent to collect the passengers.

There was little disruption to traffic, he said.

Emergency services are at the scene - including a large police and fire response with rescue helicopters also arriving.