20 April 2026

New Zealand Weather Disruptions | April 20 2026

Weather-related Network Disruption

Ongoing adverse weather conditions across several regions are continuing to disrupt freight movements throughout the New Zealand network. These conditions are impacting road, rail, and Interislander connections, and customers should expect delays across the network throughout the coming week.

Inter-Island Impact – Cook Strait

Both Interislander and Bluebridge have advised that poor weather conditions across the Cook Strait are resulting in cancelled sailings. These cancellations are creating ongoing delays to both northbound and southbound rail and road freight, with congestion and backlog expected to flow through the wider network. Customers are encouraged to allow additional time for inter-island movements and onward delivery.

Key Road Closures and Regional Impacts

Rainfall, flooding, and slips have resulted in multiple state highway disruptions. Key routes and regions currently impacted include:

SH3 Mokau to Piopio – Closed 

• Closed today and potentially for the remainder of the week
• Impacting freight movements to and from the New Plymouth / Taranaki region

SH43 Whangamomona to Taumarunui – Closed 

• Multiple sections currently under water
• Impacting freight movements to and from the New Plymouth / Taranaki region

SH3 Mount Messenger & SH2 Waioweka Gorge – Restricted Access 

• Operating under stop/go traffic management while slips are cleared
• Delays expected through this corridor

Wellington Region 

• Experiencing widespread flooding and slips
• Impacting freight movement throughout the Wellington region

Whanganui 

• Flooding has resulted in a declared state of emergency
• Impacting Whanganui freight movements

What This Means for Customers

While teams continue to work around these disruptions where possible, delays are unavoidable in affected regions. Freight in transit or scheduled to move through these areas may require additional time, and some services may be temporarily held pending safe access.

Local Mainfreight teams will provide regular updates to customers throughout and are available to discuss individual consignments or alternate solutions where possible.