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State Highway 6 between Makarora and Lake Hāwea is likely to remain closed until Monday after heavy rain brought down debris in more than 20 locations.
Two vehicles and their occupants were trapped between impassable sections of road, but were subsequently reported to have been safely rescued by 5pm Friday.
A NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) spokesman said on Friday there were multiple slips of varying sizes along the route.
“Some of these slips are substantial and are going to take some time to clear, and any clearance work needs to be done safely in light of ongoing movement in the hillsides after all the rain.
“Crews will be looking to make their way into the affected areas when safe to begin clearing debris from the roads, while geotechnical engineering advice is being sought on the risk of instability on the hillsides and further slips.’’
NZTA also announced a further assessment will be made when some level of traffic access can be safely restored.
NZTA is advising road users to be wary of the potential to encounter slips on state highways across the central and lower South Island, and the risk of further slips, especially in the event of further rain.
“There are a few vehicles trapped in the closure area, and roading crews will be working to open a lane to get these vehicles safely out when they can,” he said.
A police spokeswoman said they received reports of slips on SH6 about 8.40am, which caused the people in two vehicles to become trapped.
Late on Friday, NZTA crews were on site and evaluating the next steps.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded to multiple callouts on Thursday in relation to heavy rainfall, which included clearing water from two homes in Hāwea as well as three non-urgent issues to do with drains in Hāwea and Wānaka.