Bay of Plenty state highway update

SH2 Waioweka Gorge emergency response

20 January 2026

SH2 Waioweka Gorge closure - update

Kia ora koutou

This email provides an update on the State Highway 2 (SH2) Waioweka Gorge closure following last Friday’s severe weather and multiple large slips.

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, and what travellers need to know.

'Goldsmith slip' - Ōpōtiki side

Current situation

• Crews continue working from both ends of the Gorge, as there is currently no safe access through the central section.
• Damage is extensive, and the full condition of the road and underlying structures remain uncertain until debris can be safely cleared.
• NZTA is confident in the work underway. Contractors are progressing well and continuing to push forward on what is a very large and complex task.
• Our focus remains on restoring at least one lane of access. We do not yet know what this will look like or when it will be possible, but we will share updates as soon as we can.
• We are closely monitoring the upcoming weather system. The network is already in a fragile state, and there is a risk that more loose material may come down. Recovery work will pause if conditions become unsafe for crews on the ground.
• Early assessments indicate approximately 40 slips throughout the Gorge, including 4-8 major slip sites.
• NZTA acknowledges SH2 is the primary connection between Gisborne, Tairāwhiti, and the Bay of Plenty. There is no short or convenient detour, and the disruption is significant for communities and freight movement.

Mapping our path to recovery

The damage along SH2 is extensive. Early assessments indicate around 40 slips ranging in size. As surveys are completed we'll update this map.

Recovery efforts underway

Crews continue to make steady progress at both the Gisborne and Ōpōtiki ends of the Gorge and are working with local residents within the hard closure to provide access if it is safe to do so.

Weather planning

With a significant weather system expected tomorrow afternoon, our current plan is to withdraw crews from the Gorge if orange or red alerts are in place. Keeping our crew safe is paramount. This will allow crews to rest and return safely on Friday to continue recovery efforts over the long weekend.

Gisborne side progress

• Crews have fully cleared 2 slips today.
• Work continues on drainage and clearing blocked culverts.
• Teams are also supporting vehicle recovery where safe access allows.

Ōpōtiki side progress

• Crews remain on track to remove 60 large truck loads of material from what’s called the Goldsmith slip (image below). It is the first on the Ōpōtiki side and potentially largest (approx. 110 metres high and up to 60 metres wide).
• An additional truck has been brought in, with 8 trucks and 3 diggers now active on this side.
• Two additional crews are focusing on drainage and opening culverts to reduce the risk of further issues.

Community travel information

State Highway 35 (SH35) and SH2 south of Gisborne remain open, but 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 SH35 or State Highway 5.

NZTA is actively monitoring MetService weather warnings, which may affect progress and travel conditions this week.

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.

Devil’s Elbow closure postponed – Hawke’s Bay

The planned overnight closures for final asphalting on SH2 at Devil’s Elbow (Hawke’s Bay) have been postponed. Because SH2 between Gisborne and the SH2/SH5 intersection is now a key detour route, these works will be rescheduled. A new date will be confirmed and communicated as soon as it is available.

A happy day of vehicle recovery

Some very delighted people today - reunited with their vehicles and sharing plenty of great stories along the way. A big thanks to the team on the ground for assisting with the safe retrieval of vehicles. Smiles all round

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.