6pm Update: State Highway 2 at Waiotahe Beach will remain closed tonight between Waiotahi Valley Back Road & Paerata Ridge Road, due to a slip.

Monday morning's slip is around 200 cubic metres in size and has occurred at the same location of a much larger slip, which saw over 10 thousand cubic metres of material close the road 12 days ago.

Geotechnical engineers will return on Tuesday morning to assess the risk to road users and contractors.

"Depending on the result of the inspection, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency anticipates the clean-up will get underway tomorrow morning and the road will reopen by tomorrow evening,' says a Waka Kotahi NZTA spokesperson.

Earlier, 7.30am: Due to a large slip, SH2 along Waiotahe Beach, west of Ōpōtiki, is closed, according to a Waka Kotahi NZTA spokesperson.

"Contractors are on route," says the spokesperson.

"The detour is via Waiotahe Valley Back Road, Verrall Road and Paerata Ridge Road. It is not suitable for HPMV.

"Expect long delays with heavy vehicle freight piloted through this detour route periodically, or consider using an alternative route:

"This slip follows another large slip on this stretch of highway on October 19, where approximately 10,000 cubic metres of material came down onto the road.

"The region has experienced significant rainfall, coastal surges and strong winds this year, all of which puts pressure on a roading network that is already susceptible to unstable geology.

"Showers are expected to ease in the area this morning, but drivers are reminded to take care and drive to the conditions."

Photo: Google Maps.

SunLive will provide an update as more information becomes available.