A section of State Highway 3 through the Awakino Gorge has been blocked by multiple slips and flooding after heavy rain, leaving parts of the road “impassable” and some vehicles stranded.
The slips have made parts of the road impassable, and police said they were aware of some vehicles stuck and unable to move.
“Motorists are urged not to travel through the Gorge area until the slips can be cleared,” a police spokesperson said.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said crews were onsite and working to clear the road “as safely and efficiently as possible”.
“The immediate priority is clearing access for motorists currently between slips.”
Additional crews were working along State Highway 3 between Tongapōratu and Piopio clearing slips and repairing damage caused by the wet weather, a spokesperson added.
“Please continue to drive to the conditions throughout the region, and be alert for the possibility of more slips and more rain. Please take your time and be careful on the roads.”