State Highway 2 in the Bay of Plenty is closed and is likely to be so for a few days, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

A large slip has fallen overnight, blocking both lanes of SH2 at Waiotahe beach, near Ōpōtiki, the roadng agency says in a statement released this morning.

"NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises SH2 is closed between Waiotahi Valley Back Road and Paerata Ridge Road until further notice.

"NZTA geotechnical crews are assessing the risk posed by remaining pōhutukawa trees above the slip face this morning. Contractors will begin clearing the earth and debris as soon as it’s safe to do so."

NZTA says this is a substantial slip and SH2 is likely to be closed for a number of days.

"NZTA will update the community and road users as soon as we have more information."

Road users should allow extra time for the detour which is:

East bound traffic: Right onto Waiotahi Valley Back Road, Verrall Road, Left Paerata Ridge Road before rejoining SH2. West bound traffic in reverse.

NZTA says the detour is not suitable for heavy vehicles.