Mark your calendars! 2026 planned maintenance closure dates confirmed for State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Regular users of State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill have some critical dates they need to plan for.

The Wellington Transport Alliance has confirmed the night closure schedule for State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill for the first half of 2026.

Roxanne Hilliard, Alliance Manager, says regular users of the route should be aware of the 2026 schedule.

“We do not want anyone to be caught out by the closures. That is why we are putting this information out as early as we can so people can plan ahead, be ready and avoid unnecessary delays as the nearest detour route is via the Pahiatua Track or SH3 Te Ahu a Turanga.”

“They are both significantly longer routes for people wanting to travel between Wairarapa and Wellington.” Ms Hilliard says.

State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill, planned night closures – January – June 2026

In total, there will be 23 nights of closures on the route from January until the end of June.

Ms Hilliard says there are very good reasons why night closures are used and work is not done during the day under stop/go traffic management.“

They are far less disruptive for road users. Before regular night closures were introduced around five years ago, there were roadworks underway on the route for approximately 300 days of every year.”

“That saw drivers being delayed or disrupted almost every day. Night closures have reduced this significantly,” Ms Hilliard says.

She says the other advantage of night works is that far fewer vehicles use the route at night.

“On average, State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill carries around 7,000 vehicles daily, but only around 300 travel at night.”

“While roadworks will, inevitably, have an impact on traffic, we do try to plan them so that we inconvenience as few people as we possibly can,” Ms Hilliard says.

Because the highway over  Remutaka Hill is narrow and windy, there is often not enough space to  accommodate traffic and maintenance equipment. Full closures mean maintenance works can be finished faster, reduce costs and are safer for road crews. 

Upcoming night closure – 7 September

While the schedule for the first half of 2026 is out, Ms Hilliard says people need to know there are planned closures happening this year that they need to be ready for.

“Our next single-night closure is coming up this weekend, Sunday, 7 September.”

“Please remember if you need to use the route on the night to book an escorted crossing. Our crews always make every effort to help but without a booking you may be turned away if crossings are already full,” Ms Hilliard says.

Important information for Remutaka Hill closures:

• Escorted crossings are available during closure nights but must be booked in advance. We always communicate well before planned closures and provide contact details so bookings can be made.
• Bookings can be made online on the Waka Kotahi website – Remutaka Hill Closure Escort Booking Form(external link)
• Bookings are essential – drivers who turn up without one risk being turned away. If you have a genuine emergency on the night, the hill manager will decide how best to help you.
• The escorted crossings are for light vehicles only. To keep our contractors safe, heavy vehicles cannot be accommodated.
• Full access is always available for emergency services.

State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill upcoming planned night closures – 2025

More information about planned maintenance closures for Remutaka Hill can be found on our website:

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