Above and below is the official NZTA version of the closure of SH1 north of Turangi from 1 to 6 October. But, only if you feel confident enough, you do have an alternative choice, SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed, the Manager in charge of traffic at TRM) has an alternative optional bypass route restricted to TRM inmates – see the “ford” below.
- The official route between Tūrangi and Taupō will increase by around 60km and 45 minutes!
- But if you dare, this can be avoided!
Turangians have been using this Waiotaka Road bypass for many years to drive north to Korohe, a cute Maori village settlement next to Korohe Marae about 2 km east of SH1.
You can understand NZTA will never recommend it, as it involves a wet crossing – a “ford”. Obviously, do not attempt it after rain. As NZTA’s recommendation between Tūrangi and Taupō will increase distance by around 60km and 45 minutes, SWMBO suggests this ford crossing is worth the risk and will add to the fun.
TRM has to strictly control traffic in case you get stuck. Please note that TRM are not liable for any issues from taking the wrong track across the stream.
You must follow only the wheel tracks used by other vehicles and drive extra cautiously and slowly in a low gear to avoid a bow wave.
If you take a different route, then the loose stream gravel could prevent traction and you may struggle to get across – unless you have 4WD (or a cheap rental car?). Low hotrod dragsters will never make it.
This is clearly illustrated in the photos. Some of the photos are over 15 years old, proving this ford route has been established for local traffic much longer than that. The crossing has also changed over time.
Most TRM trout fishos know of it to drive to the upper reaches of the Waimarino River, but that is another story. See the other cars parked near the ford. They belong to anglers fishing upriver.
TRM reports have been advising all our guests to avoid SH1 to Taupo for over 20 years. Why?
The usual recommended route north from Turangi is via SH41 and onto SH32 to Whakamaru, then towards Tokoroa. This option is advertised by the AA. Most drivers who know the route turn north again before they get to Tokoroa onto the Old Taupo Road. This will lead to Horohora Road which emerges again on SH1 east of Cambridge, a few km before SH1 becomes a highway to Auckland and beyond.
These back roads are greatly underrated for their low traffic density and to enjoy the beauty of the rural countryside through the Waikato. The SH1 traffic density stress completely disappears.
Sometimes guests have had to visit Taupo and reported that SH1 is too marginal with severe congestion along the lake edge from campervans dicing with timber trucks, too slow through all the little settlements, and too tricky around the 25 kmph sharp cliff-edge corners. Avoid it if you can.
- Natural: A ford can form naturally where bedrock or gravel makes the water shallow and stable enough to support cars.
- Verb and Noun: As a noun, a ford is the crossing spot itself. As a verb (to ford), it means the act of walking or driving across that shallow water.
- Weather Risks: Fords can become dangerous or impassable after heavy rain or melting snow raises the water level and speed.
The NZTA official road closure notice is below.
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 | Upcoming State Highway 1 (SH1) closureSH1, between Tūrangi and Motuoapa, will be closed from 8pm on Thursday 1 October until 5am on Tuesday 6 October. | |
 | 25 September 2026 | |
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| Waiotaka No.2 Bridge, located between Tūrangi and MotuoapaSH1 Waiotaka Bridge maintenanceWe’re carrying out critical strengthening works on the SH1 Waiotaka No.2 Bridge, near the Waiotaka Scenic Reserve, starting next week. The work, to address scour damage, involves installing large steel sheet piles behind the bridge abutments, across the full width of the road. This will help protect the road approaches to the bridge and extend the bridge’s service life. Because of the constrained environment around the bridge and the size of the equipment required, SH1 will need to be fully closed so the work can be completed safely and efficiently. SH1, between Tūrangi and Motuoapa, will be closed 24/7 from 8pm on Thursday 1 October until 5am on Tuesday 6 October, during the school holidays. Work is being carried out during the holidays to minimise impact to school buses as the detour was deemed too significant during school term. Crews will be onsite from Monday 28 September. Lane closures will be in place from Monday until the full closure commences on Thursday 1 October. Road users should expect temporary speed limits and delays during this time. Following the closure period, crews will remain onsite completing work until mid-October, with lane closures and some delay to travel expected, while the road is fully reinstated. Crews will be working as quickly as they can to get the road back to 2 lanes. Thank you for your patience while we complete this critical work. | |
| What to expectWe’ve explored a number of options with our contractors, but unfortunately the work cannot be completed while keeping the road open. While we’ve worked hard to minimise impacts, we understand there is no ideal time to undertake work of this scale, and we acknowledge it will be disruptive. We are asking people to factor in the below and plan ahead for this period.
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| Other worksThis Waiotaka Bridge work is part of NZTA’s ongoing resilience investment in vulnerable parts of the state highway network and a wider maintenance, strengthening and bridge replacement programme. Other central North Island bridges planned for maintenance and strengthening this season include SH1 Mangatawai Stream Bridge, SH1 Poutū Bridge, SH49 Mākōtuku River Bridge, SH4 Manganui-A -Te-Ao bridge. These works will likely be carried out under stop/go with temporary reduced speed limits. A reliable and resilient state highway network is essential for people who live, work and travel throughout the central North Island. | |