Travel information for Canterbury and Marlborough regions

Canterbury / Marlborough travel map

Latest update - 25 November

SH1 is closed to through traffic between Ward to north of Cheviot. The road is open between Picton and Ward but is down to one lane in multiple places, please take extra care.

People travelling between Picton and Christchurch need to use the alternative inland highway route – State Highway 6 and 63 to Murchison , and then along State Highway 65 to Springs Junction and through Lewis Pass (State Highway 7) to State Highway 1 at Waipara and vice versa. 

View the map.

The trip from Picton to Christchurch or vice versa will take about seven and a half hours. Everyone is asked to take extra care when travelling on this route and allow plenty of time for their trip.

There are petrol, café and toilet facilities at St Arnaud, Murchison, Springs Junction and Culverden.

There is currently no road access to Kaikoura.

Kaikoura emergency access road (inland route 70 - no public access) 

Work continues to focus on restoring access to communities which have been cut off by damage from Monday’s quake and establishing safe and reliable alternative routes.

Crews are continuing to work urgently on the Kaikoura Emergency Access Road (inland route 70) between Culverden and Kaikoura, clearing slips and assessing the road and structures for damage. The road is under strict control of Civil Defence Canterbury.  This is due to the dangerous conditions, and the road is currently only being used to deliver supplies to Kaikoura.

There is currently no public access due to the unsafe and challenging conditions. Crews are working hard to restore controlled public access as soon as possible. Civil Defence Canterbury will provide further information as soon as safe public access is restored. 

Safe driving tips when travelling on inland route 70.

Rain is forecast for this weekend in North Canterbury so conditions will be variable for the Army convoy over the weekend getting essential supplies through to Kaikoura.Thursday 24 November 9.30pm

ItSafety is not expected over the weekend that there will be another civilian convoy from Kaikoura.

Any enquiries should go through to EQSHInfo@nzta.govt.nz or 0800 4 HIGHWAYS

Safe driving advicefirst priority for the alternate route between Picton and Christchurch

• Drivers should expect this journey to takedrivers, passengers as well as contractor crews working on average seven and a half hours. Howeverrepairing the Transport Agency strongly recommendsroute.
  
  

  Around 100 drivers build in extra timehave pre-registered their intention to their travel plans as delays are likely. There is currently four times the usual amount of traffic on this route, including more truck and trailer units.

• Drivers need to be extra cautious and patient. When possible to do so safely, slower drivers should pull over to let traffic behind them through. This will help prevent drivers behind them becoming frustrated and making poor decisions about overtaking.
• This alternate route is narrow in many places and speed restrictions are in place in some areas. Drivers should strictly adhere to the road signage and speed restrictions. Police patrols will be more visible along the alternate state highway route and they will be enforcing speed limits to ensure safety. Transport Agency maintenance contract teams will be present to manage any safety risks and a range of short-term measures are being looked at to help improve the journey time and safety along this route.
• It is important that visitors do not drive fatigued. Fatigue affects drivers’ reactions, ability to concentrate and risk judgement. Stopping and getting a good night’s sleep is the only cure, along with taking regular breaks. There are rest stops with fuel, food and toilets available at Culverden, Springs Junction, Murchison and St Arnaud. More information about warning signs and how to minimise the risk of fatigue .

Resources

• Preliminary damage assessment zone map
• Advice for cyclists travelling between Picton and Christchurch
• Safe journeys on the Picton to Christchurch alternate state highway route

For queries on earthquake State Highway roading information:

• Visit  www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Call 0800  44 44 49

• Email  EQSHRoadInfo@nzta.govt.nzwhen opened. 

South Island updates

• South Island Facebook
• Twitter (Top of the South)
• Canterbury West Coast Twitter updates
• For Kaikoura inland road route access updates visit the  Civil Defence Emergency Management Canterbury Facebook page