Remutaka Hill Reopens While Wairarapa and Hastings Battle Receding Floods

Remutaka Hill Road has reopened following a washout, but a State of Emergency remains in place for Wellington and Wairarapa as high rivers and slip risks persist.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 22, 2026, 6:17 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Regional Breakdown: Current Status (April 22, 2026)

1. Wairarapa & Tararua

Remutaka Hill (SH2): Reopened after repair works on a major washout were completed.

SH53 (Martinborough): Remains closed at the Waihenga Bridge. Water levels need to drop by another metre before the bridge is deemed safe for transit.

Carterton: Five homes on Gladstone Road were evacuated overnight as the Tauweru River rose. Residents have since been allowed to return, though Mayor Steve Cretney noted some initial reluctance to evacuate.

Moutoa Floodgates: Opened at 2:00 AM Wednesday to manage the rising Manawatū River.