Thames-Coromandel residents are grappling with widespread road closures and power outages after severe weather swept through the region this week, leaving a trail of slips and fallen trees. The damage has already claimed two lives in the wider Bay of Plenty area, and authorities are urging caution as unstable slopes remain a significant threat.
Coromandel Roads Crippled by Landslides, Power Restorations Underway
Heavy rainfall has triggered multiple slips and debris flows, disrupting travel and leaving some communities isolated.
- State Highway 25 remains closed in multiple sections, impacting travel to popular destinations.
- Approximately 1500 customers are still without power as of 9:30 a.m. today, down from 5700 yesterday afternoon.
- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has visited the region, advising residents to remain vigilant for landslides.
- Two people died in Pāpamoa after a slip damaged a house, and six remain unaccounted for after a landslide at a Mount Maunganui campground.
What’s the current status of roads in the Coromandel? Several key routes are closed due to slips and ongoing instability, including sections of State Highway 25 between Kūaotunu and Whangamatā. Crews are working to assess and clear damage, but full reopenings are not expected immediately.
NZTA Waikato System Manager Andy Oakley explained that crews have been diligently clearing debris and assessing damage, but safety remains paramount. “Heavy rain has caused multiple slips, debris flows and pavement damage across the network. Crews have been clearing slips, removing fallen trees and assessing damage wherever it is safe to do so,” he said.
The situation is particularly challenging for residents of Whangamatā, which is currently cut off. New World Whangamatā reported empty bread shelves this morning, stating they were “currently cut off from the outside world.” Bakers are working to produce fresh bread, and a convoy is expected to deliver emergency supplies.
Powerco reported significant progress in restoring electricity, with approximately 1500 customers still affected as of 9:30 a.m. today, down from 5700 yesterday afternoon.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visited the Thames-Coromandel region today, January 26, 2026, urging residents to remain alert. “Even though the heavy rain has passed, the large amount of rainfall leaves many parts of the region particularly vulnerable to landslides and fallen trees,” Luxon stated in a social media post. “If you see any of these, act quickly, get away from the slope and call 111.”
The severe weather also impacted the wider Bay of Plenty region. Tragically, two people died in Pāpamoa on January 23, 2026, after a slip damaged a house. In Mount Maunganui, a major landslide at a campground has left six people unaccounted for, including two teenagers.
Current Road Status (as of January 26, 2026):
- CLOSED: SH 25 Kūaotunu to Kūaotunu West/Matarangi; SH 25 Whangamatā to Whiritoa
- OPEN with caution (traffic management in place): SH25 Coromandel town to Matarangi /Kūaotunu West; SH 2 Paeroa to Waihi (Karangahake Gorge)
- CLOSED but scheduled to OPEN from 7 p.m. tonight: SH25 Hikuai to Whangamatā
NZTA stated that regaining access in and out of Whangamatā via SH25 to Hikuai and reopening the SH2 Karangahake Gorge between Paeroa and Waihi are priorities, with expected completion by 7 p.m. tonight. Further updates will be provided.
