5.10pm Wednesday 11 February

Waioweka Gorge convoys cancelled due to weather

Today’s 5pm and 7pm convoys through the Waioweka Gorge have been cancelled. The road is closed due to heavy rainfall and the risk of further deterioration of slip sites. The road condition will be assessed tomorrow morning and there may be further changes to convoy schedules. Keep an eye on NZTA social media for updates. Facebook

This updates the information below:

8 February

State Highway 2 (SH2) through Waioweka Gorge will re-open to the public tomorrow Monday 9 February for essential travel only, under piloted convoy conditions.

Convoys will operate in a single direction, three times daily for each direction, across the 37km stretch of Gorge. Pilot vehicles will control the speed of the convoy.

Gisborne bound start point is at Historic Tauranga Bridge.

Departing promptly at the following times:

7.00am, 11.00am and 5.00pm

Ōpōtiki bound start point is in Matawai at Te Wera Road intersection.

Departing promptly at the following times: 

9.00am, 1.00pm and 7.00pm 

Anyone planning to travel in the convoy is advised to allow plenty of extra time to get to the departure point. Convoys will be leaving on schedule.

While geotechnical investigations have confirmed that the road is safe, people should only travel if they must, and be prepared for the road to close at short notice if weather conditions or risk assessments change. 

Since the January storm event, crews have been clearing massive slips and debris at 40 sites through the gorge, including eight sites with severe damage.

The road is still a worksite and vulnerable – and drivers should not expect normal road conditions.

Crews will still be working on the side of the road clearing the debris, improving drainage and opening culverts to reduce the risk of further issues. 

People should travel with extreme care, follow all instructions and be mindful of workers on the road.