Person dies in crash between bus, car in Auckland's Parnell

One person died and another was seriously hurt after a crash involving a car and an electric bus in Auckland's Parnell last night.

The head-on crash saw both vehicles catch fire on Tamaki Drive, near Mechanics Bay.

Police said as well as the fatality, another person suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital.

"All road users are asked to avoid the area, and seek and alternative route while the scene is cleared," police said.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) said it was alerted to the crash shortly after 9pm.

Around 16 fire trucks attended to extinguish the fire, along with several support vehicles.

As of 3am, two trucks remained at the scene.

Auckland Transport's Director of Public Transport and Active Modes, Stacey van der Putten, said the crash was "very distressing for all involved".

"We will work closely with our operator, NZ Police and Fire and Emergency NZ to understand what has happened and provide whatever support is needed,” she said.

"While the investigation continues this morning, there will be road closures and public transport diversions that will impact people’s journeys today, and we appreciate our customers’ patience while this takes place.”

Tamaki Drive was closed between Ngapipi Rd and The Strand and was likely to remain closed throughout the morning peak.

Motorists were advised to use alternative routes (including Shore Rd, Remuera Rd or State Highway 1) to access the city from the Eastern Suburbs.

Motorists are advised to expect significant delays travelling to the city centre and on State Highway 1 today and should consider delaying journeys or avoiding travel to the city centre where possible.

Eastern line trains are running however the footpath and cycleway are closed. Bus routes 76, 774, 775, TMK are detouring via Orakei Road, Shore Rd and Parnell Rd.

Freight access to the port at Solent Street remained open.

The serious crash unit is at the scene.