Update: Bad weather, snow, and ice close State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill (SH2 now open)
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi | 5 Aug 2026 11:20am | Wellington
5 August 2026, 11:20 am – SH2 now open
State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill has reopened following its overnight weather closure.
Road crews have worked hard to restore the route to ensure the highway can reopen safely.
While the weather has improved, the highway remains affected by residual snow and ice.
Drivers are encouraged to drive to the conditions, reduce their speed, and use caution when travelling over Remutaka Hill.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank drivers for their patience and cooperation during this weather closure.
5 August 2026, 6 am – SH2 has closed again
State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill has closed again this morning following more snowfall near the summit.
Drivers travelling between Wellington and Wairarapa are asked to delay their travel and use an alternative route until further notice.
Road users are encouraged to check the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website for updates on the highway’s status before they travel.
5 August 2026, 5:30 am – SH2 now open
State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill has reopened following an overnight closure due to bad weather and snow.
Winter driving conditions still apply and snow and slippery conditions remain. Drivers are urged to exercise care while travelling the route.
4 August 2026, 9:30 pm
Ongoing bad weather has resulted in the closure of State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill this evening.
With snow and ice affecting the route, the highway has been closed between Kaitoke and Featherston for safety reasons.
Drivers travelling between Wellington and Wairarapa are asked to delay their travel and use an alternative route until further notice.
Road users are encouraged to check the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website for updates on the highway’s status before they travel.
Cold, wintry weather continues to affect the region and is making driving conditions treacherous. Road users are urged to exercise extreme caution while the bad weather persists.
With low temperatures forecast overnight, there will also be ongoing risks from frost and black ice. Extra care will be needed on state highways and local roads tomorrow morning.