SH3 at Taranaki's Awakino Gorge closed after fresh slip movement detected

by · RNZ
NZTA said the vital link between Taranaki and Waikato was closed at 6pm.Photo: Supplied / NZ Transport Agency

State Highway 3 through the Awakino Gorge has been closed after fresh land movements at the site of a significant slip.

NZTA said the vital link between Taranaki and Waikato was closed at 6pm.

It would remain closed tomorrow while geotechnical site assessments are carried out, it said.

The movement was noticed today during routine safety inspections, NZTA said.

Massive slips closed the gorge on 18 April and it reopened just over a month ago, with traffic restrictions.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

Related Stories

Motorists enjoy the wait as convoys continue through Awakino GorgeThe Awakino Gorge has reopened for one-way convoys throughout the day and night at weekends, but is open only during the night and early hours of the morning on weekdays.Robin Martin, 06 May 2026Awakino Gorge reopening but limitations remain for businessesThe Awakino Gorge opened to one-lane escorted convoys over the weekend, but remains closed during daylight hours on week days, infuriating some business owners.Robin Martin, 05 May 2026Town struggles amid Awakino Gorge closureMōkau, on SH3, is being described by locals as a "ghost town" due to the closure of Awakino Gorge.22 Apr 2026State Highway 3 closure forces Taranaki patients into gruelling post-op road tripsPeople requiring surgery have been facing lengthy road trips.Robin Martin, 30 Apr 2026Calls for NZTA boss to front up over SH3 closuresA slip in the Awakino Gorge has closed State Highway 3 again, and locals are running out of patience.Robin Martin, Morning Report, 27 Apr 2026