One person has died and two people have been seriously injured during a motorbike race in Otago today.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Emergency services rushed to the crashes near Milton, south of Dunedin after two distress beacons were activated shortly after midday.
The police say the three people injured were involved in three separate crashes, but all those involved were taking part in the Lake to Sea Trail Ride.
Two people have been taken to hospital by helicopter with serious injuries.
A website for the race says it's the 18th Lake to Sea Trail Ride, and children under the age of 12 years who are taking part must be accompanied by an adult.
The course covers about 140 kilometres of forestry and farmland, from Milburn to Toko Mouth.