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SH25/SH25A Thames-CoromandelUpdate on state highway network |
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23 January 2026 |
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TOP PHOTO: Work underway today to clear the slip across SH25 at Kūaotunu (above) seen from the air yesterday. Disruptions will continue over long weekendStorm damage across the Coromandel Peninsula means several state highway closures and restrictions will remain in place heading into the long weekend, with some sections expected to take up to five days to clear. Heavy rain has caused multiple slips, debris flows and pavement damage across the network. Crews have been clearing slips, removing fallen trees and assessing damage wherever it is safe to do so. Andy Oakley, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) System Manager for Waikato, says the focus over the last two days has been assessing the damage and restoring access to roads that have been heavily impacted. “The images of these slips speak for themselves, and some sections of state highway will remain closed through the long weekend. “While some areas have been reopened relatively quickly, several significant slips are still moving and will take days to fully clear. Work can only continue when it is safe for crews to be on-site. “SH2 through the Karangahake Gorge is now open with speed restrictions and our next immediate focus is on regaining safe access in and out of Whangamatā via SH25 to Hikuai. This section is currently being monitored and is scheduled to open from 7pm tonight under lane and speed restrictions.” Mr Oakley says teams are also managing dozens of smaller slips and two major unstable areas on SH25 at Kūaotunu and between Whiritoa and Whangamatā. “These two slips are large and unstable. Safety for road users and our crews is our priority, which means work will pause at times until assessments confirm the slopes have settled. “As we head into the long weekend, we strongly encourage people to follow the advice of Civil Defence and local councils, only travel if necessary and check NZTA’s Journey Planner before they get on the roads,” says Mr Oakley. If you must travel, slow down, drive to the conditions and allow extra time. Current network status:
The following sections of state highway are still CLOSED:
OPEN with caution (traffic management in place) While the highway is closed to through traffic, sections of SH25 between Kūaotunu and Tairua are available for emergency travel, with a single lane open and traffic management at numerous minor slips. |
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Contractors are working across the network on slips
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A large slip on SH25 between Hikuai and Whiritoa
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The road at Hikuai is severely damaged
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More information |
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Up-to-date road information is available at www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz For information of local roads and services go to the Thames-Coromandel District Council weather updates page |
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