Update: SH33, Bay of Plenty, reopens 10 hours after fatal crash

A slip blocks part of SH33 near Okere Falls. Photo / Mead Norton

State Highway 33 at Paengaroa has reopened after being closed to traffic for more than 10 hours because of a fatal crash.

A person died in the single-vehicle crash, which police responded to about 3.10am. Another person is believed to have been seriously injured.

A police spokeswoman said the road was now open again and thanked motorists for their patience.

Inquiries into the crash were ongoing, she said.

The road closure blocked off the section of highway between Rotorua and Paengaroa for most of the day.

A slip further south of SH33, near Okere Falls, prevented motorists from traveling any further.

Police asked motorists to avoid the area and delay travel, if possible.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency also advised people to allow for extra time for a detour.

It recommended people travel either SH35 from Hamurana to Tauriko or via SH30/SH34/SH2, Tikitere to Rotoma to Pikowai to Paengaroa.