Northland's main transport artery is closed for an indefinite period after a major slip took out a 10m-long chunk of State Highway 1 south of Kawakawa.
The washout, caused by Friday night's torrential rain, has closed the highway in both directions near the Maromaku turnoff.
The New Zealand Transport Agency, which is responsible for state highways, said the washout was still moving yesterday and was too risky for traffic.
There was no indication yesterday how long it would take to fix. The washout is on a ridge, which will make repairs difficult and time consuming.
The good news is that a viable detour, via Mangakahia Rd between Kaikohe and Whangarei, was re-opened yesterday. Temporary speed restrictions are in force because the road remains slippery and requires extreme caution.
Until Saturday the only route for cars heading south from Kawakawa was via unsealed Ruapekapeka Rd to Towai, which was already in poor condition after a week of rain and closed to heavy traffic.
The re-opening of Mangakahia Rd means trucks carrying fresh food and fuel can now reach the Far North. Kaitaia had yesterday reportedly run out of bread, and petrol supplies were low.
Other key highways closed in the Far North on Saturday included SH1 between Kawakawa and Ohaeawai; SH10 near Kaeo; SH11 between Kawakawa and Paihia; SH12 at Taheke; and SH12 north of Dargaville.The situation is changing constantly so check www.AAroadwatch.co.nz.