UPDATE 8.01PM: A motorcyclist is being taken to hospital in critical condition following a crash with a tanker.

Police are at the scene of the crash at the intersection on SH29/SH27, near Matamata.

Police were alerted at 6.41pm, confirmed a police spokesperson.

"The motorcyclist is reported to be in a critical condition and has been taken to Waikato Hospital via helicopter."

The road remains closed and motorists are being asked to avoid the area.

The detour route is as follows:

SH27 Northbound (from Tirau) Use SH1 to turn right on to SH29 toward Matamata, then turn left onto Hopkins Rd onto Hinuera Rd to SH27 to Matamata SH27 Southbound (from Matamata) Use Hinuera Rd onto Hopkins Rd to turn right onto SH29. Turn left onto SH1 to Tirau SH29 Eastbound, turn left onto Hopkins Rd then onto Hinuera Rd to continue north on SH27 to Matamata, Turn right onto SH24 to return to SH29 Eastbound to Kaimai SH29 Westbound, continue on SH24 to Matamata, then follow use SH27 to continue west, or use SH28 via Okoroire to Tirau

EARLIER:

A highway in the Waikato is closed tonight following a serious crash.

A SunLive reader has messaged us on Facebook to say his wife was returning from Hamilton, when she was diverted on State Highway 29.

The reader says she has to return via Rotorua.

Waka Kotahi Transport Agency reports there is a serious crash at the intersection of SH27 and SH29 in the Hinuera area, south of Matamata.

"Both roads closed at this intersection.

"Motorists are advised to avoid the area or allow extra time for diversions and delays."

Image: NZTA.

Detour route: SH27 Northbound (from Tirau) Use SH1 to turn right on to SH29 toward Matamata, then turn left onto Hopkins Rd onto Hinuera Rd to SH27 to Matamata SH27 Southbound (from Matamata) Use Hinuera Rd onto Hopkins Rd to turn right onto SH29. Turn left onto SH1 to Tirau SH29 Eastbound, turn left onto Hopkins Rd then onto Hinuera Rd to continue north on SH27 to Matamata, Turn right onto SH24 to return to SH29 Eastbound to Kaimai SH29 Westbound, continue on SH24 to Matamata, then follow use SH27 to continue west, or use SH28 via Okoroire to Tirau