11am: Update on Coromandel state highway network

The following roads are still closed on State Highway 25 and State Highway 2.

The following sections of State Highway are still CLOSED:  

• SH2 Paeroa to Waihi  
• SH25 Coromandel Town to Whitianga
• SH25 Whangamata to Whiritoa  
• SH25 Hikuai to Whangamata  

The following sections are open with SPEED RESTRICTIONS in place:  

• SH25 Hikuai to Tairua
• SH25 Whitianga to Tairua

The following sections have REOPENED:

• SH25 Whiritoa to Waihi  
• SH25A Kopu to Hikuai
• SH26 Te Aroha Bridge to Paeroa

Priorities for our contractors today are regaining access in and out of Whangamata via SH25 to Hikuai, and re-opening the SH2 Karangahake Gorge between Paeroa and Waihi. These are expected to open by 7pm tonight. Another update will be provided later today.

22 January, 4pm: Update on roads now open around Coromandel Peninsula:

SH25a Kopu to Hikuai and SH25 Hikuai to Tairua: Open with speed restrictions in place, and single lane at Hikuai bridge.

SH25 Whiritoa to Waihi: Open. Whangamata to Whiritoa still closed due to large slip.

Road closed in Matamata-Piako: 

SH27 Waharoa to Matamata: Due to falling trees, closed near Wardville Road and closed between Waharoa and Matamata.

12pm: Update on road closures around Coromandel Peninsula

Heavy overnight rain has caused more flooding and several closures across the Waikato state highway network and drivers are urged to avoid any non-essential travel in the below areas. If you must travel, check conditions before you go.

• SH25 Hikuai to Tairua: Due to flooding, SH25 is closed between Hikuai and Tairua.
• SH25 Whangamata to Waihi: Due to flooding and slips, SH25 between Whangamata and Waihi is closed. Delay your journey.
• SH25 Hikuai to Whangamata: Due to a slip near the Opoutere Rd intersection, the road is blocked in both directions. Delay your journey.
• SH25A Kopu to Hikuai: Due to a slip, SH25A is closed between Kopu and Hikuai.
• SH26 Te Aroha Bridge to Paeroa:  Due to flooding, the road is closed from Mill Rd to SH2, including the Te Aroha Bridge. Delay your journey.
• SH2 Paeroa to Waihi: Due to flooding, the road is closed in both directions between Dean Crescent, Waihi and SH26. Delay your travel.
• SH25 Coromandel to Whitianga: Due to flooding, SH25 is closed south of Whitianga near Wade Rd and north of Whitianga near Simpson's Beach. Whitianga is unable to be accessed via SH25 from north or south.

We have 9 crews out working hard to assess the roads, clear debris and keep a close eye on flood waters. 

The priority is on SH25 north of Tairua as those on this section of the east coast are currently unable to travel in either direction. We will continue to update you when we are able to open roads.

A helicopter will allow us to better assess the network and better understand what repairs are needed. 

Local States of Emergency remain in place for Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki Districts, and NZTA is continuing to work closely with CDEM groups across the affected areas.

Driving through flood water can be extremely dangerous. Just 15cm of water can sweep a person off their feet, and 30cm can carry away most vehicles. Motorists should be aware of branches and other debris they may not be able to see under the surface of flood waters.

People are asked to be mindful of contractors who could be out clearing hazards off the road, and drive slowly through work sites.

Flooding closes more roads around Coromandel Peninsula

The following roads are now closed due to flooding:

SH26 Te Aroha Bridge to Paeroa: Closed from Mill Rd to SH2, including the Te Aroha Bridge

SH2 Paeroa to Waihi: Closed in both directions between Dean Crescent, Waihi and SH26

SH25 Whangamata to Waihi: Closed between Whangamata and Waihi

SH2 Tanners Pt to Katikati: Closed between Tanners Point and Katikati

It’s wet out there – a reminder to drive with care

With a heavy rain warning (red) for the Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty (including Rotorua), heavy rain watch for the Waikato, Waitomo and Taupo and heavy wind watch for Waikato, Coromandel Peninsula, Waitomo and Taupo people are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain. If you are travelling, allow extra time for your journeys and drive to the conditions.

Road users should be aware of possible flooding – especially in low-lying areas and near rivers, slips, fallen trees, reduced visibility and hazardous driving conditions, and potential road closures or delays.

Heavy rain can also cause potholes to form or worsen, creating additional hazards for drivers.

The following closures are currently in place:

• SH25 closed between Coromandel town to the south of Whitianga
• SH25 closed between Hikuai to Tairua at the intersection to Pauanui

SH2 Karangahake Gorge between Waihi and Paeroa is likely to close tonight around high tide as it has already reached maximum levels.

Driving through flood water can be extremely dangerous. Just 15cm of water can sweep a person off their feet, and 30cm can carry away most vehicles. Motorists should be aware of branches and other debris they may not be able to see under the surface of flood waters.

People are asked to be mindful of contractors who could be out clearing hazards off the road, and drive slowly through work sites.