New Zealand's social motorbiking community is mourning the deaths of three riders, and two who were critically injured in a crash involving four motorcycles near Taihape yesterday.

Emergency services were called to the scene on State Highway 1 between Mangaweka and Taihape at around 8.10am.

"Police can advise three people have died," a police spokesperson said.

St John said two patients were airlifted to Wellington Hospital in a critical condition.

A section of State Highway 1 was closed for several hours but reopened at around 2.30pm.

Tributes to the riders who died and were injured in the crash were posted to social media.

Manawatu Road Pirates SMC said it lost a "very special chapter member and two brothers from another social club" in the crash.

"We would like to thank everyone for rallying around us with support and well wishes in this tragic time," it said in the post.

Hawke's Bay Road Pirates SMC said its "deepest condolences and prayers" went out to families and friends of those killed and injured.

"To those, we have lost, ride forever free on heavens highways.

"To the people who are in hospital... we wish you a speedy recovery."

The Gisborne chapter of the Road Pirates SMC said in a post to Facebook it was "lost for words" and "shaken to the core" by the crash.

"Our thoughts are with the families. You were vibrant, you were courageous, and you have left a huge hole in our hearts."

It was a "sad day for bikers", said the Southern Districts chapter.

"Our love and aroha tonight for our fellow members and the other riders today."