State Highway 2 through the Waioeka Gorge is expected to remain closed for several weeks because of “extensive damage” caused by severe rainfall and multiple slips.

The area experienced a massive 322mm of rain in just 48 hours, double the area’s average for January.

The rain overwhelmed and blocked culverts and triggered widespread debris flows across the road.

As a result, SH2 was reported closed in both directions on Friday morning. More than 40 people needed to be airlifted to safety after being cut off by the slips.

NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) said crews have been working over the weekend to clear smaller slips and gain access to larger areas of damage.

However, geotechnical investigations and drone surveys have revealed that the situation is far more complex than initially thought.

NZTA Waikato and Bay of Plenty manager for maintenance and operations Roger Brady warned that the damage is significant and reopening the road safely will likely take a few weeks.

“We want to be upfront that this is not something we can fix in a few days,” he said.

“Our crews are doing everything they safely can, but the sheer number of slips and continuing amount of debris falling mean this is a complex and challenging situation. The safety of our crews will always come first.”

There are two significant slips sites at either end of the gorge, which have now been declared safe to begin work on. Crews will begin to remove slip material this afternoon.

“Initial estimates indicate up to 40 slips in total, including four to eight larger slips,” Brady said.

“Given the scale of damage and uncertainty about the condition of the road underneath the debris, we expect the closure to extend well beyond a short-term response.”

Motorists are urged to delay travel if possible or allow extra time for long detours via State Highway 35 or State Highway 5. NZTA will continue to monitor and maintain the detour route to ensure it remains safe and accessible.

Further updates will be provided once additional assessments can be safely carried out.