Waioweka Gorge Open 24/7 Following “Minimal” Damage During Cyclone Vaianu

Friday, April 17, 2026 at 8:31 AM

By Aimee Stanton

The Waioweka Gorge sustained extensive damage in a storm in January. IMAGE // NZTA

State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge is once again open 24/7 under stop/go traffic management.

The gorge was proactively closed from Friday, 10 April to Monday, 13 April, to ensure motorists and crews were safe during the wet weather brought by Cyclone Vaianu.

“Fortunately, damage to SH2 during the storm was minimal this time; there was increased flooding and debris on the road, and our crew worked quickly to clear it,” said NZTA.

It said recovery works have now resumed at the Goldsmith slip site, with the spider excavator expected to complete work by the end of the week.

NZTA said this will allow crews to then move into the next phase of recovery works.

Work is continuing at several other sites along State Highway 2 to ensure the gorge remains accessible.

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