State Highway 1 blocked near Taupō by falling tree

A fallen tree has blocked SH1 near Taupo this evening, causing delays for motorists. Photo / Benjamin Rawlinson

State Highway 1 was blocked near Taupō by a large fallen tree causing significant delays for motorists.

Police received a report of a tree blocking SH1 near Wairakei about 5pm on Monday.

A police spokesperson said there were no reports of injuries.

A motorist told the Herald the incident had occurred about five kilometres out of Taupō.

“The link road is blocked due to a 60-foot tree that’s fallen across both lanes,” he said.

The man said he turned around to avoid the building traffic.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand also responded to the scene.

A Taupō District Council spokesperson said today they were informed a tree had fallen about 5pm Monday.

“Our contractor Inframax was notified and had the road cleared by 8.30pm.”