A motorcyclist has been flown to Waikato Hospital with serious injuries after crashing into a bull near Te Aroha.

The 44-year-old Waihi man was riding home after night shift at a nearby factory, when he collided with the bull early this morning.

The bull was standing in the middle of the road at the time, and it was still dark.

He was stabilised at the scene by St John paramedics before being flown to Waikato Hospital.

The man has chest, shoulder and arm injuries.

The bull has come off slightly better, with minor grazes on its shoulders and face.