A large slip has closed the road through the Awakino Gorge in the Waikato this morning.
The New Zealand Transport Agency advised motorists that both lanes along State Highway 3, from the Awakino Tunnel to Tongaporutu were now blocked.
It said contractors were currently on their way to the site.
The Transport Agency said it expected it would take at least two hours to re-open the roads.
Motorists were warned to expect delays, and were asked to avoid the area if possible.
