Toll-free Tararua

Local communities and freight operators alike were aghast when the Government considered tolling the 11.5km Manawatū-Tararua highway between Ashhurst and Woodville.

Because the highway replaced the old (free) Manawatū Gorge route on SH3, closed in 2017 due to slips, Transporting New Zealand vocally opposed tolling the route.

The new highway, Te Ahu a Turanga, opened in 2025 and is free to travel for all vehicles.

Read more: Transporting New Zealand opposes tolling on Manawatū Tararua Highway

Manawatū-Tararua Highway opening is great news for all road users