SH1 Brynderwyn Hills recovery works

14 October 2025

Final resurfacing 'super weekend' closures

Kia ora,

We're delivering the final resurfacing for the SH1 Brynderwyn Hills recovery project over two 4-day ‘super weekend’ closures in November.

During these times, detours will be in place – allow extra time and and plan your journey before setting out. You’ll find detour route information and travel times outlined below.

This is the final stage of the recovery project and involves applying a full-width asphalt surface, reinstating lane markings and passing lanes, and returning the route to 80km/h - making journeys to and from Northland smoother.

These works will ensure SH1 over the Brynderwyn Hills is fully open for summer, avoid extending disruption over multiple months, and support Northland’s freight and peak tourism season.

The works must be completed in fine weather to ensure a quality finish and were deferred from last summer following engagement with key regional stakeholders.

For more details, read the following factsheet: November 2025 super weekend factsheet

To make efficient use of the full closures, the Northland maintenance team (NOC) will carry out planned renewal work during this period. This will help reduce the need to return over summer, minimising further disruption to the region.

Night works will take place during the week prior to the first full closure, to prepare the road for the upcoming construction. These overnight works will involve stop/go traffic management, with minimal delays of around 5 minutes expected. The enabling works are scheduled for 8pm Wednesday 5 November – 5am Thursday 6 November with a contingency of 8pm Sunday 9 November to 5am Monday 10 November if required.

Long term plans for the Brynderwyn Hills are in progress - you can read the latest about the Northland Corridor project here.

‘Super weekend’ closure dates

SH1 Brynderwyn Hills will be fully closed during two ‘super weekends’: 

• Thursday 13 November morning (12:01am) to Sunday 16 November midnight (11:59pm)
• Thursday 20 November morning (12:01am) to Sunday 23 November midnight (11:59pm) 

These dates balance traffic volumes, spring paving conditions and feedback from previous closures. Spring offers the best chance of dry, warm conditions needed for a high-quality asphalt finish, while avoiding the peak summer tourism period. Weekend closures also reduce disruption to freight.

Detour routes

The closure area will be the same as previous, from the SH1/SH12 intersection on the south side of the Brynderwyn Hills through to the bottom of the hill on the north side (adjacent to Waipu Gorge Road).

Three alternative scenic detour routes available:

• Cove Road detour: suggested for light vehicles (trucks with trailers not permitted Mangawhai to Waipū)
• Paparoa Oakleigh Road detour: trucks and trucks with trailers up to 50 tonnes can use this route, high productivity motor vehicles (HPMV) not permitted
• SH12 / SH14 detour: suggested for heavy vehicles, HPMV must use this route

High productivity motor vehicles (HPMV)

Local road detours (Cove Road and Paparoa Oakleigh Road):

• Whangārei District Council: 0800 932 463 / online
• Kaipara District Council: 0800 727 059 / online

State highway detour (SH12/SH14):

• NZTA Phone: 0800 444 449 / online

To view a larger version of the detour map, click here

More information

For more information on the SH1 Brynderwyn Hills project, contact us at northlandproject@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/brynderwyn-hills