SH1 south of Kaikōura set to reopen Wednesday

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch
Jul 13, 2026 4:42 pm |
Photo / rock placed where chunks of SH1 were eaten away by floodwaters / NZTA
Photo / rock placed where chunks of SH1 were eaten away by floodwaters / NZTA

State Highway 1 south of Kaikōura is scheduled to reopen at midday on Wednesday after being closed last week because of severe flooding.

Subject to any further slips or safety concerns identified by experts, the section of SH1 between Cheviot and Kaikōura will be open to all traffic types from 12pm, with a single lane operating under a reduced speed limit and stop/go traffic management around the clock where floodwaters have eaten away chunks of the road.

An NZTA spokesperson said the traffic management was likely to stay in place for several weeks while the full width of the highway was reinstated.

Photo / rock placed where chunks of SH1 were eaten away by floodwaters / NZTA

Photo / rock placed where chunks of SH1 were eaten away by floodwaters / NZTA

“Rocks and other debris that have slipped onto SH1 from the surrounding hillside have been cleared, but geotechnical engineers are continuing to provide advice on any other land movement or risks that may require further action,” the spokesperson said.

“When the highway is reopened, we’re asking people to travel with care and to respect the traffic management requirements that will be in place. This will help keep road users and those working on the highway safe.”

Inland Route 70, the Inland Kaikōura Road to the west of Kaikōura, remains closed. A detour route via State Highways 7, 65, 6 and 63 is still available.

A further update is expected tomorrow to confirm progress is on track for the midday Wednesday reopening, with any change to be notified.

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email [email protected]

Have you got a news tip? Get in touch here

got a news tip?