The closure of a key highway into the Coromandel Peninsula has come as a welcome boost to businesses in another Waikato town.
State Highway 25A, which links the west coast of the peninsula across to its east coast, was washed away in wild weather in January. Drivers now have to go the long way around, south and through the Karangahake Gorge.
That takes them through Paeroa, the home of the iconic L&P bottle and the 'antiques capital' of New Zealand.
After years of Covid-19 disruptions and an abysmal summer, it meant Paeroa was now firmly on the map of more road trippers, thanks to the detour in place for those heading up to the Coromandel Peninsula.
At Arkwrights Antiques, business was up about 25 percent with visitors stopping by on their road trips.
Owner Vivien Leonard said while it was a shame businesses on the eastern side of the peninsula were struggling, they were grateful for the silver lining.
"It's very fortunate for Paeroa really, because it just brings so many more people through, so it's fortunate for us, but very sad for Whitianga and Tairua."
Paeroa antiques store owner Vivien Leonard says business is up since SH25A closed. Photo: RNZ/ Louise Ternouth
Leonard, who had owned the business for the last 30 years, said it was great to see people enjoying what their town had to offer.
"It's a bit of nostalgia, takes them back in time."
A few streets away was The Refinery cafe and lodging.
Popular for its history as a gold refinery over 100 years ago, owner Nicola Petry said as soon as State Highway 25A closed, traffic through the town increased.
"You could feel it straight away pretty much, we need our first set of traffic lights.
"After Covid and everything it kind of feels like oh it's our turn to have a break."
They have had to adapt to accommodate for the new demand in the afternoon with European tourists coming in for a late lunch.
Worker Roz Sprat knew all too well the influence the roads were having on businesses.
She lived in Waikino and used to commute to Thames where she worked at Antiques in Thames for the last seven years.
But with the road closures in January and February, along with another colleague she lost her job.
"The week that we lost our jobs there was, from what I understand, seven businesses and teams that either re-trenched on staff or closed down because of the road closures."
Paeroa shops have been welcoming more visitors since SH25A closed after major damage from storms. Photo: RNZ/ Louise Ternouth
Paeroa's museum was also filling up their visitor books.
Volunteer Ken Barber said the boost had been their saving grace.
"We were perhaps thinking of cutting down on the number of days we were opening, but we might soon be in a position where we won't have to do that."
Barber said recently they have had New Zealanders stopping by on their travels who had connections to the historic town, thanks to the detour.
"We do get people calling in, they have forebears who lived here, ran businesses here, who got married here, went to school here.
"They're losing that touch now and they want to find out and write it down and record it."
While business was slumping for some, it was booming for others, with the wait for a fix to state highway 25A still nine to 12 months away.
