A stretch of road in Whakatane will remain closed until May after heavy rainfall earlier this week caused rock and debris to fall.

Whakatane District Council is advising that the lower section of Hillcrest Road could remain off limits until the second week of next month.

The road was closed between George Street and Seaview Road on Wednesday, after the previous night's heavy rainfall brought down rock.

Some areas of Whakatane recorded rainfall of up to and over 90mm over Tuesday night.

'Although the amount of debris on the road may look insubstantial, a considerable amount of rock is ‘hanging' on the face of the slope and suspended by trees and vegetation,” says Council's manager transportation Martin Taylor, before confirming the works will 'require a specialist geotechnical abseiling team to make the area safe.”

The road is closed to all people including pedestrians and cyclists. However, the steps next to the Rockpit Gym remain open.

Whakatane District Council shared a helpful tip for cyclists who might wish to use the steps, with a ramp adjacent that can be used to assist pushing bikes up or down the walkway.