NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising Canterbury people to avoid travel today if possible, particularly south of Christchurch and around the Waikirikiri/ Selwyn River bridge on SH1, where river levels are rising.

• The highway to Akaroa, SH75, is closed due to flooding alongside Lake Forsyth/Te Roto o Wairewa.
• Potholes will make for a slower journey between Rakaia and Glenavy, SH1 today. Five crews are working hard today and tomorrow, says NZTA. 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

Minor surface flooding and slips in the Hundalee area north of Kaikōura - being cleared this morning. High winds. High tide around 8 am passed without too much trouble at places like Ōhau Point. Next high tide will be monitored.

SH75 Akaroa highway

Closed Birdlings Flat to Little River alongside Lake Forsyth/Te Roto o Wairewa. Updates: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/canterbury/closures/507845

SH1 South of Christchurch

Waikirikiri/Selwyn River very high at the SH1 bridge and being closely monitored. State Highway 1 still open. A detour may be installed if SH1 closes, however, it can also be affected by flooding, with upstream river levels still on the rise. Avoid travel through this part of the network if possible today.

Selwyn River flow graph at SH1: https://www.ecan.govt.nz/data/riverflow//sitedetails/68009

SH77 Methven highway

Minor flooding in the Rakaia Gorge – drivers need to slow down and expect a slower journey.

Snow at Lake Tekapo, Burkes Pass, SH80 Aoraki/ Mt Cook highway overnight and this morning

All highways around South Canterbury remain open with up to 150mm of snow on Burkes Pass, around Tekapo and the highway into Aoraki/ Mt Cook overnight and this morning. Drivers should be prepared for poor visibility in the circumstances and travel later in the day if possible.

Tekapo webcam(external link)(external link)

Arthur’s Pass (SH73)

Snow is forecast to affect the road near the summit later today, where 1 to 2 cm of snow may settle at times. Lesser amounts likely lower down.

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.

Journey Planner - Highway conditions(external link)

Full Metservice warning details(external link)

Winter driving tips(external link)