A forestry worker who severely injured his leg after slipping on a fallen tree remains in Tauranga Hospital.

The 26-year-old man had to be airlifted to hospital yesterday afternoon after he fell while working in Toatoa, near Opotiki, about 12.40pm.

A forestry worker had to be airlifted to hospital after seriously injuring his leg. Photo: Supplied.

'The forestry worker slipped on a fallen tree while working and fell, resulting in a serious lower leg injury,” says Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter pilot and media liaison Todd Dunham.

'The Port of Tauranga winch was used to retrieve the man as the area was steep and covered in fallen trees.”

St John Paramedics stabilised the patient at the scene before he was flown to Tauranga Hospital for further treatment.

'Due to the remote location and inaccessible terrain, the helicopter was tasked.”