State Highway 6, near Lake Hāwea in Central Otago, has reopened after strong winds brought down trees yesterday.

While the trees now cleared from the section of highway between Lake Hāwea and Maungawera, road users are still asked to drive with care through this area.

 5 December, 5.30pm – SH6 to stay closed overnight as high winds persist

Persistent strong winds have hampered the efforts of crews to clear fallen trees and reopen State Highway 6, near Lake Hāwea in Central Otago, so the highway will remain closed overnight.

The closure has been in place between Lake Hāwea and Maungawera since this early this afternoon, and trees have continued falling through the day.

Detours remain in place: Northbound traffic should turn right onto Camp Hill Road, left onto Gladstone Road, left onto Cemetery Road, right onto Domain Road, and left onto Hawea Control Structure Road, before rejoining SH6. The reverse applies for southbound traffic.

The SH6 closure will be reassessed tomorrow morning.

Fallen trees have also impacted other Otago and Southland highways today to a lesser degree. The strong winds are also being experienced further north in Canterbury, and road users are being urged to take care – especially those operating high-sided vehicles, towing vehicles or motorcycles.

5 December, 1.15pm – SH6 closure due to fallen trees 

State Highway 6 near Lake Hāwea in Central Otago has been closed because of fallen trees.

The road is closed between SH 6 Lake Hāwea and Albert Town. Road users are advised to expect delays.

Detours are available. Northbound traffic should turn right onto Camp Hill Road, left onto Gladstone Road, left onto Cemetery Road, right onto Domain Road, and left onto Hawea Control Structure Road, before rejoining SH6. The reverse applies for southbound traffic.