A section of State Highway 5 south of Rotorua remains closed due to a diesel and paint spill following a truck crash.

Police and emergency services were called to the crash on SH5 just south of the Waiotapu Loop Road intersection at 4.30am prompting the section of highway to be closed because of the spill.

Police say the male truck driver has been taken to Rotorua Hospital with moderate injuries. He was the sole person in the truck and no other vehicles were involved.

Motorists travelling between Rotorua and Taupo are being advised to take SH1 and then on to SH30.

Police say the clean-up is taking longer than expected with paint spilled as well as diesel with diversions remaining in place.