SH2 Waioweka Gorge emergency response

Update 5

23 January 2026

Kia ora koutou

This email provides today's 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 for the long weekend.

Current situation

• SH2 through the Waioweka Gorge remains impassable.
• SH2 south of Gisborne is the only detour route open. The State Highway 35 (SH35) detour route remains closed between Tikitiki north to Pōtaka, due to slips, flooding and debris. 
• A culvert remains blocked before the first slip on the Ōpōtiki side (Goldsmith) and work continues to clear the culvert and retain access to the Gorge.
• A bigger yellow 40-ton digger has been transported into the Goldsmith site, joining the 2 smaller diggers that began clearing the site.
• On Thursday an on-the-ground assessment was undertaken 14km past the Goldsmith site, allowing the team to plan ahead once access past the site is enabled. 
• Crews on both sides will work through the long weekend and the Waioweka Gorge emergency response team will continue to monitor progress over the weekend.
• Weather forecasts for the weekend indicate strong wind gusts. While unlikely to reach the level of 'Severe Gale', due to the current ground conditions there is still a risk of tree fall and landslides as a result of elevated wind speeds. The teams will monitor weather forecasts and assess 
• The network remains in a very fragile state, with the second weather event placing further pressure on an already saturated environment.
• There are more than 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 will continue through the long weekend (Auckland Anniversary Day Monday 26 January).

Diggers working at the Goldsmith slip on the Ōpōtiki side of the Waioweka Gorge

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

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