Highway reopens after fatal crash north of Oamaru

State Highway 1 has reopened north of Oamaru after a crash killed one person near Makikihi this morning.

A police spokesperson said emergency services were called about 6.05am to the two-vehicle crash. 

Another patient was taken by helicopter to Dunedin Hospital. 

The highway was closed for much of the day between Hook Swamp Rd and Hook Station Rd, but in an update about 3.20pm police advised it had reopened.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advised motorists to take care and expect delays.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson earlier told The New Zealand Herald one of the vehicles was on fire after the crash.

Crews from Waimate, St Andrews and Timaru were dispatched to extinguish the blaze, while also assisting St John and police.