A course change for the Coast to Coast event, due to the weather, is resulting in significant delays today for road users on State Highway 73.

The change means the Goat Pass crossing for participants has been replaced with a state highway and trail-based alternative, re-routing competitors up and over the Otira Viaduct. As a result, various traffic management is in place on SH73 from Aickens to Klondyke Corner, including road users being asked to stop on demand.

Delays of up to 45 minutes can be expected and people are urged to plan their travel accordingly. More information on the course changes is available here:

Weather bomb forces course change(external link)

10 February - Highway closures/delays for public events

If not testing themselves in the Coast to Coast or Buller Gorge Marathon this weekend, people may still find themselves challenged by the related traffic impacts, so planning ahead for these events is being encouraged.

Both events will require state highway closures at times to provide the necessary space and keep competitors and spectators safe, while road users may also encounter some delays.

To accommodate the iconic Coast to Coast (a multisport race traversing the west and east coasts of the South Island since 1983), State Highway 73 from Kumara Junction to Old Christchurch Road will be closed on Friday 13 February from 6am to 8am, and on Saturday 14 February from 5am to 8am.

SH73 from Old Christchurch Road to Jacksons will also be closed on Friday 13 February from 6am to 10am, and on Saturday 14 February from 5am to 8am.

An alternative route will be available around these closures: westbound traffic can turn right from SH73 at Jacksons onto Lake Brunner Road, onto Moana and Arnold Valley Road, and then left onto State Highway 7 at Stillwater. The reverse applies for eastbound travel.

Road users can also expect delays of about 20 minutes between Greymouth and Hokitika on the Friday and Saturday mornings, due to Coast to Coast activity on State Highway 6 between Serpentine Road and Kumara Junction. Allowing extra time for travel is encouraged.

The Coast to Coast route concludes in the Christchurch suburb of New Brighton, where a local closure will be in place on Marine Parade, between Bowhill Road and Beresford Street from 9am to 1pm on Saturday 14 February. Those driving in and around Christchurch are urged to be aware of cyclists participating in the event and to travel with care.

In the event of bad weather affecting participant safety on the more remote parts of the course, the course route may change, with more sections moved to the highway.  These decisions will be made by the event organisers on the day, and any traffic impacts or delays will be updated on Journey Planner. 

Hundreds will also be participating in the Buller Gorge Marathon, an event which also stretches back to 1980s. State Highway 6/Lower Buller Gorge Road will be closed between State Highway 67 and Inangahua, on Saturday 14 February between 8am and 10.45am.

State Highway 67/Brougham Street in Westport will also be closed, between Palmerston and Queen Streets, from 9am to 2pm because of the marathon.   

You can use our Journey Planner site to plan your travel around any closures and traffic management for roadworks. We thank road users for their patience.