Both lanes of the main highway between Napier and Taupo are blocked following a slip just before 6pm

Police say State Highway Five at Te Pohue is closed and motorists should expect delays.

The highway, which was closed for about a month after Cyclone Gabrielle hit last February, has had occasional closures since.

Rain has been on and off in the area over the past week, with 88 millimetres falling at Te Pohue over 12 hours on Sunday night.