🚧 Highway Updates for Taupō & Surrounding Areas
Planning a trip around the Central Plateau?
Here’s what you need to know about current and upcoming roadworks on key State Highways in the region.
🛣️ SH32 – Whakamaru Dam
Closure dates: From Monday 13 October, SH32 will be closed during the day from 8am to 7pm for up to 10 days.
Reason: Mercury NZ is carrying out crane operations and asset maintenance on the Whakamaru Dam bridge.
Detours:
- Heading south? Use SH1 through Taupō.
- From SH30? Take Pīohipi Road.
🕒 Please allow extra travel time and follow detour signage.
🛣️ SH1 – Taupō to Tūrangi
Waitahanui:
Lane shifts and temporary speed limits remain in place.
⚠️ Keep to posted speeds and be alert for road crews.
Hatepe Hill:
Night works ongoing Sunday to Thursday, using stop/go traffic control.
🚧 Some delays expected — work is weather dependent.
Kiko Road to Motuoapa:
- Mid-October: Daytime stop/go operations (7am–6pm) for enabling works.
- November: Overnight road rebuilding (7pm–6am, Sunday–Thursday) begins.
Outside work hours, roads will reopen with temporary speed restrictions — please continue to drive with care.
🛣️ SH1 / SH5 – Taupō
Construction is underway on the new Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre at the SH1/SH5 roundabout.
✅ In-road weigh-in-motion scales are now installed on all five approach roads.
🛑 Camera systems and electronic sign boards are being installed next.
Most major lane work is complete, but minor shoulder work may still cause short-term lane closures.
🗺️ Stay safe, plan ahead, and allow extra time for travel during these works.
For real-time updates, visit the NZTA website https://www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic-and-travel-information
