South Wairarapa slips could take more than a week to clear

Work to clear slips could take more than a week after "significant" damage was found, South Wairarapa residents are being warned.

The region suffered widespread damage after it was battered by heavy rain at the weekend.

The South Wairarapa District Council said roading crews would be clearing large slips along White Rock Road for the next few days where residents remain isolated.

It said staff had been in touch with those stuck and there were no immediate concerns for their welfare.

The only road in and out of settlements along Cape Palliser would also shut to all traffic - except residents and workers - from Thursday 2 July until further notice, it said.

It said the damage along the coastal road was significant and it was unlikely to fully reopen until Matariki.

Access would be restricted between 6.30am-6pm, with multiple work sites along the road.

The council said the closure would begin 3km before the Hurupi bridge and extend through to the end of Cape Palliser Road.