State Highway 1 closed through the Brynderwyn Hills for most of Saturday, but had reopened by 6:30pm.
Photo: NZTA / Waka Kotahi

State Highway 1 through the Brynderwyn Hills, between Kaiwaka and Waipū, has been reopened after heavy rain caused slips onto the road.

The day-long closure came just a month after the highway’s long-awaited reopening after extensive damage caused by flooding in 2023 was repaired.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said the highway reopened on Saturday evening and a temporary 30km/h speed limit was in place.

“Crews have been hard at work on-site all day clearing slip material brought down by heavy rain early this morning,” a spokesperson said.

“NZTA will continue monitoring the hill for any more movement to ensure it remains safe for road users.

“We thank our contractors for the great work to clear the slip material, and we thank road users for their patience while this work was completed.”

The route only opened recently after being closed for several months. (File photo)
Photo: Supplied / NZTA

The route is Northland’s main connection with the rest of the country.

There was a detour in place earlier for cars and other light vehicles detour via Nova Scotia Drive, Cove Road, Garbolino Road, and Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Road.

In an earlier statement, NZTA said the detour was not suitable for trucks; instead, they needed to detour via State Highway 12 and SH14.

“We have been advised by our council partners that Paparoa Oakley Road is unsuitable for freight at this time as there has been a significant under slip on the road.”

NZTA advised drivers to check road and weather conditions before they travelled.