Overhanging rocks and debris are preventing the reopening of State Highway 36 following a rockfall in Mangorewa Gorge, north of Rotorua, last week which crushed a passing car.
Two women were lucky to escape with only minor injuries as they were trapped in their Mercedes, which was almost flattened beneaththe slip.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said contractors had worked all weekend to clear the highway, which runs between Tauranga and Rotorua, breaking up large boulders and clearing the slip.
But the rockfall left overhanging rocks and debris above the road which had to be checked before traffic could be allowed through.
NZTA said geotechnical specialists were on-site today with a decision on when it would be reopened to be made tomorrow.
Meanwhile, SH94 between Milford Sound and Te Anau has reopened after it was closed for over a week due to avalanches which left trees and snow up to five metres deep blocking several sections of the road.
