State Highway 2 in the Eastern Bay of Plenty is closed.

A large slip has come down and blocked both lanes of the highway, west of Opotiki.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says people should expect long delays when travelling in this area.

"Due to a large slip in the Waiotahe Beach area, State Highway 2 is closed between Waiotahe Valley Back Rd and Paerata Ridge Rd, west of Opotiki, and is expected to be closed for some time.

"Expect long delays with heavy vehicle freight movements to be piloted through this detour route periodically (detour not suitable for HPMV) or consider using an alternative route."