To keep the State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill road shipshape, Waka Kotahi | New Zealand Transport Agency closes it for regular maintenance work on various nights between January and November each year.
The schedule for the first half of 2026 has been set, with the first night closure of the year on Sunday 11 January from 9pm to 4am on Monday 12 January.
Regular travellers between Wellington and Wairarapa should note these dates down and plan ahead.
| Nights closed | Start 9pm | Finish 4am |
| 1 | 11 January | 12 January |
| 5 | 15 February | 20 February |
| 5 | 15 March | 20 March |
| 1 | 19 April | 20 April |
| 5 | 3 May | 8 May |
| 5 | 10 May | 15 May |
| 1 | 14 June | 15 June |
Escorted crossings are available for people who need to travel while the night closures are in place. Bookings are essential and can be made online: Remutaka Hill Closure – Escort Booking Form
Drivers should plan ahead and make a booking if they need to travel the route at night, as the detour is much longer. These crossings are available for light vehicles only. Heavy vehicles cannot travel the route during these closures and must use the detour via the Pahiatua Track or State Highway 3 Te Ahu a Turanga.
During these closures, road crews:
- Clear slips and drains
- Remove vegetation and mow verges
- Replace road signs
- Renew line markings
The work ensures the route is in the best possible condition it can be for road users. Maintenance is deliberately scheduled to be done at night as this is when traffic volumes on the route are at their lowest, meaning fewer drivers are affected.
To find out more, visit NZTA’s website: SH2 Remutaka Hill road night closures | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi