A large slip is blocking both lanes of the road between Opotiki and Whakatane.

A police media spokesperson says the slip has happened on Wainui Road and diversions are in place between McCoy Road and Stanley Road.

'While road crews are working to resolve the issue given the large nature of the slip it is anticipated that it will take some time for the road to be cleared.”

According to reports on social media, a slip has also been reported on the Taneatua end of Stanley Road.

People should expect delays or avoid the area if possible, says police.

Meanwhile NZTA has advised State Highway 35 between Ōpо̄tiki and Gisborne has reopened however is down to one lane in some areas.

Transport Agency Regional Transport System Manager, Rob Campbell says the closure is due to multiple slips and flooding throughout the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne Region.

'Our contractors have worked hard to clear the multiple slips along SH35 but due to adverse weather conditions we ask motorists to still take extra care in the following areas.

'The slip site at Hawaii between Te Kaha and Waihau Bay is open to one lane with manual traffic control overnight.

'A slip has fallen by Whitianga Bay and the road is down to one lane with stop/go traffic management in place. There has also been a road dropout just west of Whitianga Bay. This road has also been reduced to one lane and motorists are advised to take extra care,” says Rob.

Flooding has occurred on the Te Araroa straight from the SH35 intersection with Pohutu Road through to the Te Araroa Holiday Park.

'We want to assure those communities who have been affected that we are working as hard as possible to restore complete access to SH35.

'We are expecting more rain this evening and remind motorists to drive with extra caution and plan their journey before they leave.

There are multiple still small slips in the area, trees are down and there is potential for more flooding and slips overnight,” says Rob.