A man has died after his car crashed into a tree in Tirau last night in the Waikato

The crash occurred on Prospect Avenue, near the intersection with Ensor Place, about ten o'clock.

Initial enquiries indicate the Holden Commodore failed to negotiate a moderate left-hand bend - and then crashed into a tree.

The driver died at the scene and the other male occupant, was flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition.

Police are appealing for any information or sightings of this vehicle in the Tirau area, along with a late model white Honda SUV, which was seen leaving the crash site.

It's thought to be fitted with black roof rack runners, dark tinted windows and a registration containing the letter 'E'.