State Highway 1 between Waipara and Ward remains closed this morning after severe flooding caused slips, debris and damage to parts of the highway.

An NZTA spokesperson said crews were assessing the route this morning to determine when all, or parts, of the highway could reopen.

“Roading crews are clearing rocks and debris that have slipped down onto the road in places, and in some areas there is also scouring and damage to the highway from floodwaters,” the spokesperson said.

A state of emergency was declared in the Kaikōura District yesterday due to flooding.

MetService’s red heavy rain warning for Marlborough and Canterbury between Ward and Hanmer, southeast of the Awatere Valley, and the Kaikōura ranges, is due to expire later this morning.

The NZTA spokesperson said an inland detour remained available for people travelling between Christchurch and Picton, using State Highways 7, 65, 6 and 62.

“Road users should also be aware some state highway closures remain in place in Marlborough, especially on State Highway 63,” the spokesperson said.

Elsewhere, State Highway 8 has closed again this morning between Lake Tekapo and Twizel in the Mackenzie Basin.

People are being asked to avoid the area or delay their journeys.

Across the South Island, especially inland areas, motorists are being urged to watch for snow, ice and further rain, which could disrupt travel and make driving difficult.

Snow is forecast to return in places tonight, with up to 8 centimetres possible on State Highway 73 at Porters Pass in inland Canterbury.