SH25 Thames Coast Road closed due to slips between Tapu and Waiomu
Published on 25 June 2023
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises that State Highway 25 on the Thames Coast is closed between Tapu and Waiomu due to two large slips which came down last night blocking both lanes.
Road closure signs have been in place since last night and contractors are on site this morning.
The largest slip is south of Tapu near Ruamahunga, the second slip is near Waiomu. A geotechnical engineer is en route to assess the slips and ensure it's safe for crews to begin clearance.
Multiple trees have come down overnight and there is debris and rocks on the road between Waiomu and Whakakete Bay. Road users are asked to drive with extreme caution.
Up to five people were caught between the slips last night. They are unhurt and waiting with their vehicles at the Ruamahanga boat ramp until a lane is freed up and they can travel out.
The detour is significant, with road users needing to travel via Whangamata and Whitianga to the northern end of the Peninsula.
Our Council's Civil Defence team's advice is to use caution if you need to travel in the area, as heavy rainfall is expected to continue until Monday. The total rainfall has been steadily increasing, which may lead to further land instability. Your safety is paramount, so if possible, we recommend avoiding travel altogether.
If you must travel, please be prepared for potential delays or isolated sections along the way. Stay updated with weather reports at MetService and road advisories (see below) to plan your journey accordingly.
Waka Kotahi will issue an update as soon as there’s more information. Stay up to date on the State Highways in the Coromandel and elsewhere through their information channels:
No issues have been reported on our local Council roads. Stay up to date on our Council-managed roads at:
Power outages reported
- Whangamata 350 properties 25 June 9.18am estimated restoration 12.15pm
- Whangamata 2598 properties 25 June 8.14am estimated restoration 12.15pm
- Thames, Kauaeranga Valley 148 properties 25 June 12:41 estimated restoration 11:00am
Check with Powerco for updates.
Photos of the smaller slip at Waiomu:
