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Update: Here we go again. Bad weather on the way for Lower North Island and Top of the South highways

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi | 7 Jul 2026 7:00am | Wellington, Tasman, Nelson and Marlborough

7 am, 7 July 2026

With bad weather continuing to affect the top of the South Island, drivers are being warned of the potential for travel disruptions and road closures in the region today.

A Red Level Heavy Rain warning remains in place until early tomorrow morning for Marlborough and Canterbury between Ward and Hanmer and southeast of the Awatere Valley, including the Kaikōura ranges. This has the potential to affect State Highway 1 on the east coast.

Orange Level Heavy Rain warnings are also in place for Marlborough about and north of Blenheim, and Tasman District about and west of Motueka.The bad weather will affect:

  • State Highway 1 – Picton to Kaikoura
  • State Highway 63 – Renwick to Saint Arnaud
  • State Highway 62 – Spring Creek to State Highway 6 junction
  • State Highway 6 – Blenheim to Nelson
  • State Highway 60 – Motueka to Collingwood

Current closures:

  • State Highway 63, Kawatiri Junction to Howard Road - treefalls

Road users should drive to the conditions, expect weather hazards, and be prepared for road closures at short notice. With bad weather also affecting North Canterbury and the West Coast, travel in these regions may also be affected.

If roads are closed, these closures must be observed as they are there to keep people safe. Ignoring closures not only puts yourself at risk, but also those who may be called on to rescue you

The public is urged to stay up to date on road, weather conditions, and any relevant Civil Defence advice before they travel.

5:15 pm

State Highway 63 will remain closed between Kawatiri Junction and Howard Road overnight.

With strong winds continuing to bring down trees in the area, the decision has been made for safety reasons.

Detour available: Road users can travel via Korere-Tophouse Road, which links SH6 at Korere with SH63 at Tophouse.

Note: Kerr Hill Road and Stock Road are both closed due to high winds and tree fall.

Drivers are asked to avoid this section of State Highway 63 until further notice.

With the weather forecast to remain bad tomorrow, the risk of other closures on the highway network remains.

Road users should check road and weather conditions before they travel.

4 pm

State Highway 63 is to remain closed overnight between Kawatiri Junction and Howard Valley Road.

With strong winds continuing to bring down trees in the area, the decision has been made for safety reasons.

No local road detours are available as they too are affected by the bad weather and ongoing treefalls

Drivers are asked to avoid this section of State Highway 63 until further notice.

With the weather forecast to remain bad tomorrow, the risk of other closures on the highway network remains.

Road users should check road and weather conditions before they travel.

2:20 pm

Strong wind and ongoing treefalls have forced the closure of State Highway 63 this afternoon.

The highway is now closed between Kawatiri Junction and Howard Valley Road.

No local road detours are available. Drivers are asked to delay their travel and avoid the area until the highway reopens

Contractors are on site, working to reopen the highway.

10:35 am, 6 July 2026

The bad weather that has afflicted the lower South Island is heading north and Tasman, Marlborough, Wellington, and Wairarapa are in its path.

Marlborough and Tasman

Marlborough will be the first to bear the brunt. A Heavy Rain Warning (orange) has been issued for the region from 4 pm today until midnight tomorrow. Significant rain is forecast – possibly 300 mm for the Inland and Seaward Kaikoura Ranges.

A Heavy Rain Warning (orange) also applies for the Tasman area west of Motueka for 24 hours from 8 pm tonight – up to 180 mm of rain is forecast.

It will affect:

  • State Highway 1 – Picton to Kaikoura
  • State Highway 63 – Renwick to Saint Arnaud
  • State Highway 62 – Spring Creek to State Highway 6 junction
  • State Highway 6 – Blenheim to Nelson
  • State Highway 60 – Motueka to Collingwood

Wellington and Wairarapa

Heavy rain and southeasterly gales are expected for these regions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. A Heavy Rain Watch (yellow) is in place for Wairarapa and the Tararua Ranges from early Tuesday morning until midnight Wednesday.

Given recent bad weather and saturated ground, more rain and wind will increase the risk of treefalls, slips, and rockfalls. Disruption to state highways and local roads is possible, and also for the Ngauranga to Petone shared path if sea conditions are rough in Wellington Harbour.

Heavy rain in the Wairarapa catchment can also affect the state highway network and local roads. The Waihenga Bridge near Martinborough closes when water levels in the Ruamahanga River go above 4.5 metres.

Driver advice

Drivers are strongly encouraged to stay up to date on road and weather conditions before they travel, and to take extra care on the roads if conditions are bad.

This includes reducing speed, avoiding sudden braking, using headlights if visibility is poor, and being prepared for weather-related hazards such as slips, treefalls, and localised flooding.

Care is also needed on exposed routes – e.g., SH2 Remutaka Hill, Wainui Saddle on SH1 Transmission Gully – and drivers of high-sided vehicles (trucks, vans, campervans), light vehicles, towing vehicles, and motorcyclists must exercise caution.

Bad weather can see roads closed at short notice, and drivers must obey all road closures in place. They are there to keep the public safe.

Also avoid driving through floodwaters. They may hide hidden dangers and currents may be deceptively strong.