State Highway 6/Upper Buller Gorge Road straddling the West Coast and Tasman regions is closed this morning due to a large slip blocking the road.

An NZTA spokesperson said the section of SH6, between the intersection with State Highways 65 and 69, has been closed since the early hours of this morning.

The slip is located near the Eight Mile Creek Bridge and includes large downed trees.

A detour is available: Westbound traffic should continue onto SH65, turn right onto SH7 at Springs Junction, then right onto SH69 at Reefton, continuing on to return to SH6. The reverse applies for eastbound traffic. Road users should allow extra time for their journeys.

The slip follows recent heavy rain on the West Coast.

An update will be provided later this morning as crews work to reopen at least a single lane.