Two motorcyclists crashed separately in exactly the same spot on a bridge close to Arthurs Pass township on Monday, and a third motorcyclist came to grief near Knights Point, near Haast.

They were all on the West Coast, on their way to the Burt Munro Rally in Southland.

Arthurs Pass emergency services were first called about 11am to the McGraths Creek single-lane bridge. Just four hours later the brigade was back at the same bridge about 3.30pm, after a second motorcyclist crashed.

‘‘Both guys were going to the Burt Munro Rally; both were eastbound,’’ Arthurs Pass Rural Fire Force Chief Fire Officer Nick Menary said.

The first rider suffered moderate shoulder injuries and was transported by ambulance, while the second victim had a broken leg and was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital by the NZCC West Coast Rescue Helicopter.

Mr Menary said both bikes were big, heavy machines, designed for open road touring.

The corner at McGraths Creek bridge was a regular accident spot, particularly with motorcyclists caught out on the sharp approach.

‘‘It’s almost always where people come to grief. People do slow down, they just don’t realise how much they need to slow down ... The fact they keep dropping, something is not right.’’

Haast emergency services were dispatched to the Whakapohai River bridge, between Lake Moeraki and Knights Point, just after 6.30pm.

Haast Rural Fire chief Adam Cowan said one of two motorcyclist friends travelling together to the rally crashed at the bridge, breaking a leg.

The victim was ‘‘in extremely good spirits’’ despite the injury and losing his bike.

‘‘It was quite remarkable, to be honest.’’

He was also flown to Christchurch Hospital, by the Central Otago rescue helicopter.

West Coast police prevention manager Senior Sergeant Mark Rowbottom said up to seven extra road police staff were on the roads from Westport to Haast, due to anticipated heavier traffic, including Chinese New Year tourists and motorcyclists traversing the region to the Southland rally.

‘‘There is a noticeable increase in motorcycle traffic but it’s that time of year when you do get that, anyway,’’ Snr Sgt Rowbottom said.

— From the Greymouth Star

-By Brendon McMahon