Heavy rain over the weekend caused widespread damage in South Wairarapa, leaving residents along Cape Palliser isolated while roading crews work to clear slips.
From Thursday 2 July, Cape Palliser Road will be shut to all traffic except residents and workers until further notice. Access will be restricted to between 6.30am and 6pm each day, with multiple work sites active. The closure zone begins 3km before the Hurupi bridge and extends to the road's end.
South Wairarapa District Council warned clearing work could take more than a week. The coastal route serves as the only access point for settlements along the cape.
Crews are clearing large slips on White Rock Road where residents remain cut off, with that work expected to take the next few days. Council staff report no immediate welfare concerns after contacting those affected.