SH2 Waioweka Gorge emergency response

Update 3

21 January 2026

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.

Current situation

• A red severe rain warning is currently in place. Crews on both the Ōpōtiki and Gisborne sides have been stood down as conditions are unsafe.
• The network is in a very fragile state, and today’s weather will place further pressure on an already saturated environment.
• There are approximately 40 slips of varying size across the Gorge, and more loose material is highly likely to come down.
• There is no safe access through the central section of the Gorge. The SH35 detour is also at increased risk due to the severe weather. People are encouraged to delay travel where possible and check the road status before travelling.
• Damage is extensive, and the condition of the Gorge and underlying structures will remain uncertain until debris can be safely cleared.
• Work will resume as soon as it is safe, potentially on Friday.
• NZTA remains confident in the work underway. Contractors are progressing well and continuing to push forward on what is a large and complex recovery task.
• The focus remains on restoring at least one lane of access. The timing and format of this reopening is not yet known; updates will be provided as soon as possible.
• We understand how critical this route is. Crews will be back on the ground as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Early assessments confirm around 40 slips, including 4–8 major slip sites.
• 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 have been making steady progress from both ends of the Gorge and are working with local residents within the hard closure area to provide access when it is safe.

Weather planning

With a severe weather system impacting the region, crews have been withdrawn today following site assessments that confirmed unsafe conditions.

If orange or red weather alerts remain in place, crews will stay out of the Gorge. This approach prioritises safety and allows teams to rest before returning on Friday to continue recovery efforts over the long weekend.

Gisborne and Ōpōtiki progress updates

Nine vehicles were successfully retrieved yesterday. Fifteen remain within the closure and will be recovered when conditions allow.

Mapping our path to recovery

The damage along SH2 is extensive and likely to increase with today's weather. This map will be updated as sites are confirmed. Details around the closure points are outlined below.

Community travel information

SH2 road closure information

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

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 (SH5).

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

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