SH25/SH25A Thames-Coromandel

Update on state highway network

27 January 2026

Crews have made great progress on clearing the Kūaotunu slip - almost ready for thorough geotechnical inspections

SH25 between Kūaotunu and Kūaotunu West/Matarangi expected to reopen on Thursday 29 January

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is aiming to reopen SH25 between Kūaotunu and Kūaotunu West/Matarangi on Thursday 29 January.

Contractors have made excellent progress clearing the slip over the past several days, allowing geotechnical specialists to safely access and inspect the site tomorrow (Wednesday 28 January).

In order to ensure the safety of road users, a thorough geotechnical assessment of the site will be undertaken from above and below the carriageway. Once the stability and safety of the site has been confirmed, it will be cleared to reopen.

If you are planning to travel, please delay your journey until SH25 has reopened.

While the road remains closed, we ask that people avoid the Kūaotunu area where possible to allow crews to safely continue their essential work.

We will update our website as soon as the road is open.

Last update from Sunday 25 January

SH25 Whangamatā to Whiritoa: This slip is complex and remains highly unstable with a large amount of water running through it, which means it will be more challenging to safely clear than initially thought. The earliest we currently anticipate being able to reopen the road is Wednesday 4 February.

The following sections of State Highway are OPEN with caution (traffic management in place):

• SH25 Coromandel town to Matarangi /Kūaotunu West
• SH2 Paeroa to Waihī (Karangahake Gorge)
• SH25 Hikuai to Whangamatā

The Coromandel network is already in a fragile state, and there is a risk that more loose material may come down. Recovery work will pause and roads may close at short notice if conditions worsen or become unsafe for crews on the ground.

With bad weather continuing its important people slow down, be patient and drive with care and to the conditions. People can stay informed by checking:

• Live state highway conditions on the NZTA Journey Planner
• Weather updates from MetService
• Advice from Civil Defence and emergency services

More information

Up-to-date road information is available at journeys.nzta.govt.nz

For information of local roads and services go to the Thames-Coromandel District Council weather updates page