State Highway 5, near Rotorua, is open this morning following a fatal crash.

Three cars were involved in the crash which claimed the life of a woman last night.

The fatal crash brings the holiday road toll to six.

Police say the woman was the driver of one the vehicles.

"The driver and passenger in the second car involved have serious injuries, and the driver of third car has minor injuries.

"All three have been taken to Rotorua Hospital."

Police were forced to close the highway around 9.30pm and it was later re-opened around 3am.

The serious crash unit is investigating.