A motorcyclist has died and five others have been injured after a serious crash in Waimate.

A police spokesman said the crash occurred around 6.15pm on State Highway 82, Timaru Rd, between Oxford St and Regent St. The motorcyclist died at the scene. 

A nearby resident who didn't wish to be named told Stuff that she heard a "very fast motorbike screaming down the street and then boom."

"The house shook," she said.

St John Ambulance spokeswoman Beverley Tse said two ambulances responded to the crash and five patients with minor to moderate injuries were initially treated at the scene.

Two people in a moderate condition and three people in a minor condition were transported to Timaru Hospital by ambulance. 

A rescue helicopter was dispatched from Christchurch but it had been stood down as it was not required. 

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.