The man who died after slamming his car into a tree near Waihi is 20 year old Vinnie Pearson.

He died after crashing on Trig Road, south of Waihi, at about 5.30pm on Tuesday.

Vennie Pearson's wrecked car at the scene after he crashed on Tuesday night.

Sergeant Dave Litton of Waihi Police says Vinnie was heading home from a friend's house when he crashed.

Vinnie did not hold a driver's licence and was forbidden to drive in 2008.

'Neighbours in the area have reported hearing loud revving at high speeds before the crash,” says Dave.

He says the absence of a licence, high speed and bad decision making were the main factors in causing the crash.

Police are awaiting post mortem results before they know if alcohol or drugs were also a factor.