NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says the Akaroa highway, SH75, will remain closed overnight and at least until Lake Forsyth/Te Roto o Wairewa can be safely opened to the sea. Checkpoints are in place overnight.

SH75, the Akaroa highway, next to Lake Forsyth around 2pm this afternoon (photos courtesy Christchurch City Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management team):

The Waikirikiri/ Selwyn River bridge on SH1, south of Christchurch, has plateaued, making it less likely to close overnight.

“With darkness approaching, drivers are encouraged to take extreme care and slow down on all Canterbury highways given crews will continue to repair large potholes all over the network as a result of the heavy rain,” says Mark Pinner, System Manager for NZTA in the Central South Island.

“Going into the weekend crews will be on the lookout for ice in shaded places around Mid and South Canterbury so people need to take extra care for a few days yet.”

• Potholes continue to make for a slower journey on much of the network north and south of Christchurch and around Banks Peninsula. Crews are making good progress but people need to slow down and anticipate much slower trips this evening. Expect to see temporary speed limits around sites of deep potholes.
• Christchurch City flooding updates(external link) 
• Selwyn District updates(external link)
• Environment Canterbury river flow data(external link)

SH1 Kaikōura

Crews are on standby for the high tide around 8 pm tonight at places like Ōhau Point but so far the network is holding up well.

SH75 Akaroa highway  

Closed Birdlings Flat to Little River alongside Lake Forsyth/Te Roto o Wairewa.  

Updates(external link)

SH1 South of Christchurch

Waikirikiri/Selwyn River has levelled off, making an overnight closure unlikely.  

Selwyn River flow graph at SH1(external link) 

Lake Tekapo, Burkes Pass, SH80 Aoraki/ Mt Cook highway 

All highways around South Canterbury remain open with snow on the ground in Tekapo. Crews with snow ploughs and grit are ready if needed.

Burkes Pass, SH8, and the highway to Aoraki/ Mt Cook, SH80, are both clear currently.

Tekapo webcam(external link)

Arthur’s Pass, SH73, and the Lewis Pass, SH7

Snow is forecast to affect the road near the Arthur’s Pass summit later, where 1 to 2 cm of snow may settle. Smaller amounts are likely lower down but unlikely to settle.  SH7 could also catch small amounts of snow but both routes are open currently with no restrictions.

What should drivers do?

Please slow down, avoid sudden breaking and turning, increase following distances and drive with lights on, is NZTA’s advice.

Wherever possible, people should plan to avoid driving in the worst conditions and keep an eye on weather forecasts and the NZTA Journey Planner to stay up to date with the latest highway restrictions. 

https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions

Winter driving tips(external link) 

MetService full warning details(external link) (external link)