Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
25 January 2026 – 10am update:
The following sections of State Highway are still CLOSED:
SH 25 Kūaotunu to Kūaotunu West/Matarangi: Contractors are making great progress clearing this slip, however the site remains unstable and the road will not open until it is safe to do so. If the work progresses well and the weather is favourable we hope to open the road by the end of next Wednesday (28 January).
SH 25 Whangamatā to Whiritoa: This slip is complex and remains highly unstable with a large amount of water running through it, which means it will be more challenging to safely clear than initially thought. The earliest we currently anticipate being able to reopen the road is Wednesday 4 February.
The following sections of State Highway are OPEN with caution (traffic management in place):
- SH25 Coromandel town to Matarangi /Kūaotunu West
- SH 2 Paeroa to Waihi (Karangahake Gorge)
- SH 25 Hikuai to Whangamata
The Coromandel network is already in a fragile state, and there is a risk that more loose material may come down. Recovery work will pause and roads may close at short notice if conditions worsen or become unsafe for crews on the ground.
With bad weather continuing its important people slow down, be patient and drive with care and to the conditions.
24 January 2026 – 10am update:
The following sections of State Highway are still CLOSED:
- SH 25 Kūaotunu to Kūaotunu West/Matarangi
- SH 25 Whangamatā to Whiritoa
- OPEN with caution (traffic management in place)
- SH25 Coromandel town to Matarangi /Kūaotunu West
- SH 2 Paeroa to Waihi (Karangahake Gorge)
- SH 25 Hikuai to Whangamata
The attached map indicates the current status of the Coromandel network, following SH25 Hikuai to Whangamata opening last night. No changes expected in the next few days (weather permitting).
NZTA is closely monitoring the upcoming weather system. The Coromandel network is already in a fragile state, and there is a risk that more loose material may come down. Recovery work will pause and roads may close at short notice if conditions worsen or become unsafe for crews on the ground.
With more bad weather on the way its important people slow down, be patient and drive with care and to the conditions. People can stay informed by checking:
- live state highway conditions on the NZTA Journey Planner
- weather updates from MetService
- advice from Civil Defence and emergency services.
23 January – 9:20pm update:
SH25 is now OPEN between Hikuai and Whangamata. NZTA thanks motorists for their patience as contractors have worked to safely open the road under temporary traffic management.
Please drive with care.
23 January:
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 few 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 onsite.
“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 Whangamata 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 Whangamata.
“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:
SH 25 Kūaotunu to Kūaotunu West/Matarangi
SH 25 Whangamatā to Whiritoa
OPEN with caution (traffic management in place)
SH25 Coromandel town to Matarangi /Kūaotunu West
SH 2 Paeroa to Waihi (Karangahake Gorge)
CLOSED but scheduled to OPEN from 7pm tonight:
SH25 Hikuai to Whangamata
While the highway is closed to through traffic, sections of SH25 between Kuaotunu and Tairua are available for emergency travel, with a single lane open and traffic management at numerous minor slips.
Up to date road information is available at www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz