Police can confirm that five people have died following a head-on crash in the Waikato.

Emergency services were called to the scene on State Highway 3/Ōhaupō Road, just before 4.45pm on Tuesday.

Police have confirmed the three occupants of one vehicle, and two occupants of the other vehicle all died at the scene.

“This is a tragic incident," says Waikato Road Policing Manager Inspector Jeff Penno.

"To lose five lives in these circumstances is heartbreaking, and our thoughts go out to all the families affected."

The Serious Crash Unit was at the scene and the road shut for a significant period of time.

“There is a large scene we need to work through and our priority at the moment is understanding what has occurred to cause this tragedy," says Inspector Penno.

“We are also making sure that support is provided to those who need it."