A motorcyclist has died after a crash on Remutaka Hill.
Police were notified of the single-vehicle crash at 1.15pm on Tuesday and the road was closed while the serious crash unit examined the scene throughout the afternoon.
The road reopened fully at 5.55pm after nearly five hours.
In a tweet, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency thanked motorists for their patience while emergency services and contractors cleared the road.
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Motorists were earlier asked to delay their travel, as the only alternative route between Wellington and Wairarapa was via State Highway 1, State Highway 57, then State Highway 2 which would add about three hours to the journey, Higginson said.
Earlier, a Wellington Free Ambulance spokesman said two ambulances were on their way to the scene, as well as a helicopter.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift manager David Meikle said two fire crews attended the crash.