SH2 Waioweka Gorge emergency response

Update 6

27 January 2026

Kia ora koutou

This email provides an update on the State Highway 2 (SH2) Waioweka Gorge closure following the 16 January 2026 severe weather and multiple large slips, and the further weather event overnight on Wednesday 21 January which worsened the damage.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) thanks you for your patience as crews continue working to respond to the significant damage along SH2 through the Gorge.

Below is today’s update on the current situation, our recovery progress over the weekend – which included Auckland Anniversary Weekend (also observed in Bay of Plenty and Waikato), and what travellers need to know.

Current situation

• SH2 through the Waioweka Gorge remains closed – between Matawai in Tairawhiti and just south of Ōpōtiki in the Bay of Plenty.
• SH2 south of Gisborne is the only detour route open. State Highway 35 (SH35) remains closed to due to slips.
• While the crews have made excellent progress, the scale and complexity of the slips and uncertainty about the condition of the road underneath the debris means we expect the road to remain closed for some time yet.
• The immediate work effort remains focused on clearing slips, removing debris and clearing blocked culverts.
• The aim is to restore at least one lane of access as soon as possible. The timing and format of this reopening is not yet known; we expect to provide an update later this week.
• We have confirmed there are 40 slip and debris sites in total, including overslips, underslips and debris flows – with seven severe sites (both lanes of state highway are blocked).
• We estimate – at a minimum - 1,000 more truckloads of debris to be removed – at least 16,000m3.
• Damage is extensive, and the condition of the Gorge and underlying structures will remain uncertain until debris can be safely cleared.
• NZTA remains confident in the work underway. Contractors are making excellent progress on this large and complex recovery task.
• NZTA acknowledges that SH2 is the primary connection between Gisborne, Tairāwhiti, and the Bay of Plenty. There is no short or convenient detour, which has significant impacts on communities and freight movements.

Recovery efforts underway

Crews are at work on both sites. They worked through the long weekend (Auckland Anniversary Day Monday 26 January which is also observed in Bay of Plenty and Waikato).

Gisborne side

• The crews are continuing to break through the smaller slips and debris on the road. 
• On Sunday they removed 1000m3 of material.
• The crews have removed moved material from a number of slips, rock falls and debris flows and have reached at least 4km west of the Manganuku campsite as of Monday 26 January.

Photos from work on the Gisborne side of Waioweka Gorge

Ōpōtiki side

• One crew continues to focus on clearing the largest slip – Goldsmith – with excellent progress made.
• On Saturday they removed 1780m3 of material.
• On Sunday they removed 1568m3 of material – about 156 truckloads.
• On Monday a record 1840m3 – equivalent to 184 truckloads.

Work clearing the Goldsmith slip face has progressed lower over the past week. From left: Monday 26 January, Saturday 24 January, Thursday 22 January.

Community travel information

SH2 road closure information - no change

Ōpōtiki side

• Soft closure starts at Warrington Road - 6km south of Opotiki (SH2/35). Resident access only.
• Hard closure and no access from Waioeka Pa Road (Opeke Marae access), 2km south of Warrington Road.

Gisborne side

• Soft closure starts at Kerei Street, Matawai, 65km in from Makaraka. Resident access only.
• Hard closure and no access from Te Wera Road, 7km east of Kerei Street.

Detour status

SH2 south of Gisborne is the only open route, however long detours are required.

There is a significant increase in traffic on SH2 south of Gisborne, with high volumes of vehicles continuing through to Bayview. Drivers are reminded to drive to the conditions, allow extra time, and remain patient.

Travellers should delay travel where possible or allow significantly more time if detouring via State Highway 5 (SH5).

People are encouraged to check the NZTA Journey Planner for up-to-date information before travelling: journeys.nzta.govt.nz

Detour reminders: Waikare Bridge (SH2, Pūtōrino)

A reminder that the Waikare Acrow bridge on SH2 at Pūtōrino, between Wairoa and Napier, is a single lane, priority give way bridge.

If you’re travelling north toward Wairoa, you will have right of way.

If you’re heading south toward Napier, you need to slow down and be ready to stop at the bridge.

When will the Gorge reopen?

It is still too early to confirm a reopening timeline. Once all damaged areas can be safely accessed and assessed, we will be able to provide a clearer estimate.

Recovery will take weeks, not days. We are focused on getting one lane open as soon as possible.

Safety remains our highest priority. 

Crews are progressing as quickly as conditions safely allow, but the scale and instability of the slips make this a highly complex operation.

More information

Thank you

We appreciate your patience and understanding during this significant disruption.

Further updates will be provided as soon as additional assessments and clearance work can safely continue.

Kia kaha, take care, and thank you for your ongoing support.

For more information:

Contact us at BOPmaintenance@nzta.govt.nz
Visit our website nzta.govt.nz/bop-maintenance
Sign up to receive SH2 Waioweka Gorge updates here
SH35 and other Tairawhiti/Gisborne updates – here