Tip of North Island cut off
The northern tip of the North Island has been cut off by this washout on State Highway 1, about 40km north of Kaitaia.
The washout, which happened midafternoon yesterday, is south of Pukenui, near Houhora.
It has taken out both lanes and the road will remain closed during the weekend, the NZ Transport Agency said last night.
There is no alternative route.
Motorists will not be able to travel north to Pukenui and on to Cape Reinga or south from there to Kaitaia.
NZTA said it was working with Civil Defence, emergency services and local authorities on a response to support people living in the affected area.