Motorists travelling between the Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti can now enjoy improved access through the Waioweka Gorge, with two-lane traffic restored at two major slip sites ahead of the busy summer holiday season.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) confirmed both lanes are open past the Goldsmith and Snake Gully slip sites on State Highway 2, following months of recovery work.
An on-site inspection on Monday confirmed both sections were safe to reopen in both directions, although a temporary speed limit of 50km/h remains in place.
Bay of Plenty Area Manager, Asset and Operations, Sandra King said restoring two-lane traffic at the major slip sites had been a key priority since severe weather in January closed the highway in both directions for more than three weeks.
“It's an important step forward for this vital connection between the Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti, and for the local communities, businesses and freight operators who rely on it,” she said.
“Restoring two-lane travel here ahead of the busy summer holiday season makes this milestone all the more welcome.”
The reopening follows months of intensive work, including ground investigations, removal of loose rock, slope stabilisation and specialist construction.
At the Goldsmith slip site, a newly installed rockfall protection system known as an attenuator is helping reduce the risk of falling debris.
The custom-designed structure spans approximately 45 metres across the slip face and uses high-tensile steel mesh, cables and energy-absorbing components to slow and control falling rocks.
The system had already captured more than 10 cubic metres of falling material shortly after installation.
Permanent barriers, drainage works, temporary pavement repairs and line marking have also been completed at Goldsmith.
At the Snake Gully underslip, reinforced concrete slope protection and barrier works are now complete.
King thanked contractors Higgins, Waiotahi, Geovert, Beca and Stellar Projects for their work, alongside local hapū Ngāti Ira for their support throughout the recovery.
She also acknowledged the patience of local communities and road users during the lengthy and disruptive work.
While two lanes have reopened, motorists are being reminded that the gorge remains vulnerable during poor weather.
The 50km/h temporary speed limit will remain in place while pavement upgrades are planned for completion ahead of the Christmas break, subject to weather and site conditions.
The work is expected to allow the permanent speed limit to be restored through the two sites in time for the holiday period.
Stop/go traffic management will briefly return during the pavement works.
Other locations throughout the gorge remain under single-lane traffic management as recovery work continues.
NZTA said ongoing monitoring and debris removal would continue at the reopened sites, with temporary closures or additional traffic management possible if maintenance or weather conditions required it.
Beyond the immediate recovery, NZTA is assessing several locations throughout the Waioweka Gorge to improve the highway’s long-term resilience.
The programme is expected to be finalised in the coming months, with work anticipated to begin by April 2027.
SH2 Waioweka Gorge slip sites map as of 27 October 2026. IMAGE // NZTA
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