A motorcyclist has died and another is fighting for life after a ute towing a horse float flipped and rolled into them on the NSW Mid North Coast.

The crash occurred on The Bucketts Way near Gunns Gully Rd at Booral, about 30km northwest of Nelson Bay, about 10.20am on Sunday.

Police said the ute towing a horse float had flipped and rolled before crashing into two motorcycles, killing one of the riders at the scene.

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He is believed to be in his 30s.

The second rider, a man in his 70s, suffered serious leg injuries and was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

Booral Rural Fire Brigade warned the road would remain closed for several hours. Credit: Booral Rural Fire Brigade

The 18-year-old woman driving the ute was assessed by paramedics at the scene but did not require further treatment.

She was taken to Stroud Police Station for a breath analysis after allegedly returning a positive roadside breath test.

The horse travelling in the float was uninjured.

A crime scene has been established as police investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The Bucketts Way was closed in both directions near the crash scene, with the Booral Rural Fire Brigade warning the road would remain shut for “many hours”.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.