Serious crash closes Twizel-Tekapo road

State Highway 8 between Twizel and Tekapo is closed following a serious crash earlier this afternoon.

Canterbury police say emergency services were alerted to the crash at approximately 1.30pm.

"Initial indications suggest there are serious injuries."

The New Zealand Transport Agency is warning motorists the Canterbury highway will likely remain closed "well into this evening".

A section of road from the intersection of State Highways 8 and 80 (the road to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village) and Braemar Road in Tekapo is closed.

The only alternative for holiday traffic is the coastal route via State Highways 8, then 1, 82, and 83, that will then rejoin State Highway 8.

In a travel advisory, NZTA says, "Please note this diversion will add up to an additional 150 minutes to travel times through the area".

"Consider using this alternative route or delay your travels through the area."