Update 10:20am

State Highway 6 is now open to two lanes between Pelorus and Havelock after being closed overnight and this morning due to bad weather and flooding. 

Contractors have been working hard this morning to remove flood debris, repair road damage, and make the route safe for traffic. They also recovered four vehicles that were caught in the flooding.

Drivers are asked to take care on the route and drive to the conditions, particularly in flood-damaged areas where 50 km/h temporary speed limits are in place

Road users are asked to follow all temporary speed limits and traffic management in place. 

Update 6:55am

State Highway 6 remains affected by flooding this morning with the route currently closed between Pelorus and Havelock.

Drivers are asked to continue to avoid the area and follow all road closures and traffic management in place.

Current closures:

• State Highway 6, Pelorus to Havelock - flooding

Update 9 May 12:15 am.

State Highway 60 has reopened in Tākaka near Pupu Valley Road. The highway is now open to traffic between Tākaka and Collingwood.

Current closures:

• State Highway 6, Rai Valley to Havelock - flooding

Update 9:30 pm

Closure points have been extended on State Highway 6 tonight as flooding continues to affect the route.

The highway is now closed between Rai Valley and Havelock.

Current closures:

• State Highway 60 Tākaka, near Pupu Valley Road – flooding
• State Highway 6, Rai Valley to Havelock - flooding

Update 8:30 pm

Bad weather and flooding have closed another highway in the top of the South Island.

State Highway 6 is now closed near Canvastown, at the Daltons Road intersection, due to flooding.

The closure means there is no direct route between Blenheim and Nelson. The only available detour is via State Highway 63 Wairau Valley to State Highway 6 Kawatiri Junction.

Drivers should avoid the area and delay any travel on State Highway 6 between Blenheim and Nelson until further notice.

The highway’s reopening is dependent on weather conditions improving

Current closures:

• State Highway 60 Tākaka, near Pupu Valley Road – flooding
• State Highway 6, Canvastown, near Daltons Road - flooding

Update 7:25pm

Heavy rain and flooding have closed State Highway 60 near Tākaka this evening.

The highway is currently closed to all traffic near Pupu Valley Road.

No local road detours are available – this means there is no connection between Tākaka and Collingwood.

Drivers must avoid the area until the flooding has receded and the highway has reopened. This will depend on weather conditions.

Heavy rain continues to affect the top of the South Island and the potential for further disruption to highways is possible.

Driving conditions are challenging. Road users must drive to the conditions and be prepared for weather hazards.