A police spokesman said the crash on the Manuka Gorge Highway, south of Waitahuna, was reported just after 6pm.
One person was taken to Dunedin Hospital in a serious condition, the spokesman said.
The road was closed for a period and motorists were asked to expect delays or avoid the area.
A motorist using the detour put in place said a rescue helicopter was at the scene about 7.15pm.
There were several emergency services crews, including Hato Hone St John and Fire and Emergency New Zealand, at the scene at the time.
Large trucks and buses were waiting at either end of the detour in place as the gravel road used to divert traffic appeared to be unsuitable for larger vehicles, the motorist said.
The serious crash unit attended, the police spokesman said.
The road had reopened by 8.30pm.
• A cyclist was seriously hurt in a crash involving a car on State Highway 6 in Northern Southland yesterday.
Police said the crash, which occurred at Nokomai, was reported at 12.10pm.
In a statement they said the cyclist was reported to have suffered serious injuries.
The southbound lane of the highway was closed for a time but in an update shortly before 3pm NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advised it had reopened.
Motorists were still urged to drive with care.
— APL
