A serious crash has closed a section of State Highway 8, also known as the Manuka Gorge Highway, between Johnston Road and Burma Road this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the scene around 4:50pm following reports of a two-vehicle collision south of Waitahuna.

Initial information indicates that there are serious injuries, a police spokesperson said.

Police have advised motorists to avoid the area and expect delays while emergency crews respond to the incident.