State Highway 2, Karangahake Gorge is closed due to a slip.

SH2 Karangahake Gorge is closed between Waihi and Paeroa due to a slip blocking both lanes near the Crown Hill Bridge intersection.

"Contractors are arriving to the clear the slip and provide traffic control," says a Waka Kotahi NZTA spokesperson. "Police are currently turning vehicles around."

The gorge is likely to remain closed for most of the rest of the day to enable crews to clear the road.

Drivers travelling to locations along the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula will need to use the Thames Coast Road - SH25.

If drivers are travelling to destinations within the Bay of Plenty including Katikati or Tauranga, then they'll need to use SH29.

Waka Kotahi is warning motorists to avoid the area.

"Avoid this route or delay your journey if possible," says a Waka Kotahi spokesperson.

Ongoing severe weather is having an impact across the North Island, and road users are encouraged to drive to the conditions.

Earlier today, Metservice issued a Severe Weather Warning with heavy rain forecast for parts of the upper North Island and the west of the South Island. Severe gales are also possible for southern Westland.

For the latest Tauranga forecast, click here.

To view highway conditions across the country, visit the Waka Kotahi journey planner.