State Highway One, near Levin, has re-opened several hours after a serious crash closed the road - creating a massive backlog of traffic.
RNZ producer Melanie Phipps was stuck in a long queue of traffic for a couple of hours while attempting to drive north to Taupō. Photo: RNZ / Melanie Phipps
The New Zealand Transport Agency earlier said there was no detour due to the location of the crash - near the Ōhau Bridge.
Police say two people were seriously injured in the crash, which involved a motorcycle and truck.
A helicopter was at the scene, and due to the lack of a detour, motorists were advised to avoid the area.
RNZ producer Melanie Phipps was stuck in a long queue of traffic for a couple of hours while attempting to drive north to Taupō.
She said it was hot, sticky, and people were getting out of their cars.
"There's quite a high volume of traffic of cars and bikes that are just turning around and giving up - going home or going back," she said.
Phipps says there was luckily a portaloo on the side of the road near where she's "parked".