4.20pm – SH1 reopened after fatal crash

State Highway 1 between Kaikōura and Blenheim has reopened after a fatal motorcycle crash this morning at Waipapa Bay.

The highway was closed for several hours while emergency services worked at the crash site.

People are asked to take care travelling through the area.

2pm – SH1 closure likely for several hours

The closure of a section of State Highway 1 between Kaikōura and Blenheim is expected to last a few more hours after confirmation that a motorcycle crash this morning at Waipapa Bay was fatal.

Emergency services are continuing their work at the crash scene following the callout at 10am.

Strict closure points are in place at Ward, south of Blenheim, and about 2km south of Waiau Toa/Clarence River to the south. “Soft closure” points are in place for road users at Riverlands (just out of Blenheim) and at the north end of Kaikōura, advising of the closure ahead and absence of detour options beyond those points.

A further update will be issued as the situation changes.

11.40am – Serious crash closes SH1

State Highway 1 is closed between Kaikōura and Blenheim after a serious crash this morning involving a motorcycle at Waipapa Bay. 

Police were called to the crash at about 10am and said one person was found with serious injuries.

Road users are asked to delay their journeys or to use an alternative inland route. Southbound traffic should use SH63 from Blenheim, turn left onto SH6, left onto SH65, left onto SH7 then right back onto SH1 near Waipara. The reverse applies for northbound traffic.

More information on specific closure points will be provided when available. 

Meanwhile, NZTA is issuing general warnings about strong winds impacting state highways across Canterbury – care is needed when driving, especially for high-sided vehicles, towing vehicles and motorcycles.

Stay up to date on state highway conditions and restrictions at our Journey Planner site.