State Highway 2 remains closed until further notice due to a large slip at Waiotahe Beach.

Heavy rain overnight Sunday caused the slip between Kutarere and Ōpōtiki, in the eastern Bay of Penty.

An update from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on Monday afternoon says pōhutukawa trees above the slip face are very precarious and need to be removed before any slip clearance can begin.

“In addition the slip face is still moving today making it unsafe for any activities, beyond the geotechnical risk assessment.”

NZTA says arborists will begin removing the dangerous trees this morning and contractors will clear the earth and debris as soon as it is safe to do so.

“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.”

The large slip on SH2, between Kutarere and Ōpōtiki. Photo: NZTA.

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

• east-bound traffic: Right onto Waiotahi Valley Back Rd, Verrall Rd, Left Paerata Ridge Rd before rejoining SH2.
• west-bound traffic in reverse.

The detour is not suitable for heavy vehicles.