Update: Weekend reopenings for SH6 before weekday return to convoys
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi | 4 Sept 2026 2:43pm | West Coast, Canterbury, Otago, Southland
State Highway 6 between Makarora and Hāwea in Central Otago is scheduled to reopen to continuous traffic during daytime hours this weekend, following multiple slips on the road since last week.
In recent days, escorted convoys have operated three times daily to keep access available through the area while roading crews work long hours to clear about 30 slips, repair damage and monitor for risks of any further slips.
Subject to weather interruptions, from 8am tomorrow (Saturday 5 September), the road will be open to all traffic without convoys, closing again at 5.30pm. Temporary speed limits will be in place and there will be at least one site limited to a single lane where motorists will be required to stop on demand. The same will apply on Sunday, 8am to 5.30pm (6 September). The reason this section of SH6 needs to close again in the weekend hours between 5.30pm and 8am is that fresh slips could come down in the dark that are not visible to road users, and roading crews will not be readily available to assist as they are during the day.
After 5.30pm on Sunday (6 September), the road is scheduled to revert to the existing closed status, with the convoys operating three times daily from Monday onwards. Keeping traffic access limited to the daily convoys on the weekdays will allow crews to work faster and more safely on what is needed to fully restore the road.
Rain is forecast in the area through the weekend and if this results in any further slips, or concerns that further slips are imminent, the daytime reopenings referred to above may have to be cut short. Notification will be provided if this happens.
People can stay up to date on the latest road status on this website or at the Otago/Southland Facebook page (external link).
The scheduled departure and return times for the convoys on weekdays next week are as follows:
- Convoy 1 departs Makarora village heading south at 7.15am; then returns north at 8am from Isthmus Peak Track car park.
- Convoy 2 departs Isthmus Peak Track car park heading north at 12pm; then returns south from Makarora village at 12.45pm.
- Convoy 3 departs Isthmus Peak Track car park heading north at 5.30pm; then returns south from Makarora Village at 6.15pm.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) appreciates the public demand to return the road to fully open at all times, and multiple crews are working hard to ensure this can be done safely.
3 September 2026, 3.45pm – Mother nature not stopping SH6 convoys
Neither rain nor earthquakes have stopped escorted convoys getting through on an otherwise closed section of State Highway 6 between Makarora and Hāwea, in Central Otago.
The daily convoys led by roading crews between Makarora and the Isthmus Peak Track car park (north of Lake Hāwea township) have been underway following about 30 slips that closed the road last Friday. Work continues clearing large volumes of rock, soil and other debris from the highway (see images below) in anticipation of a road reopening.
There had been concerns that more rain in the area since yesterday might trigger fresh slips from destabilised hillsides and require a pause on the convoys, but that has so far not eventuated. Two shallow earthquakes last night of magnitudes 5.5 and 5.6 north-east of Milford Sound have also not caused any additional issues or interruptions.
A further update is due tomorrow about traffic access on this section of SH6 over the weekend.
Meanwhile, part of State Highway 94 between Te Anau and Milford Sound is open again today after checks this morning of the avalanche risk and any issues arising from last night’s earthquakes. No earthquake damage or issues arising them was noted.
Snow expected tomorrow may mean disruptions during the day for SH94, while a closure is scheduled for the section of road from Donne River to Lower Hollyford Road on Friday night, with an expected reopening on Saturday. MetService is forecasting up to 8cm of snow to accumulate about Homer Tunnel from 5am tomorrow.
Elsewhere in the central and lower South Island, MetService has an orange heavy rain warning in place through until 8am tomorrow for the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers about and south of Arthur's Pass National Park. This level of warning means surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible.
Strong wind watches are also in place until tomorrow morning for the Canterbury high country and Canterbury Plains close to the foothills, and Marlborough southeast of the Awatere River, while the Ranges of Buller are subject to a heavy rain watch. Road users are encouraged to plan ahead and to travel to the conditions.
1 September, 5:30pm – SH6 convoys going well but wet weather may intervene
Escorted convoys along an otherwise closed section of State Highway 6 have been running smoothly so far, but rain forecast for tomorrow could mean that a pause is needed.
The daily convoys between Makarora and the Isthmus Peak Track car park (north of Lake Hāwea township) began today, with dozens of vehicles taking part in each run. Feedback received so far has been that people have appreciated the opportunity to get their children back to school, to get back to their workplaces, or to travel to their favourite destinations for the start of the whitebaiting season.
The section of highway between Makarora and Lake Hāwea township has been closed since Friday after heavy rain caused multiple slips that blocked roads and bridges. Progress continues with clearing of rock and other debris, and assessments of the infrastructure for any further work needed, ahead of a full reopening.
A concern for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and its roading crews is the potential for further rain or snow to trigger more slips on sodden hillsides where material may already be unstable. MetService’s weather forecast for the Southern Lakes region tomorrow is for showers and snow flurries, along with potentially gale force winds.
People interested in joining the convoys should stay up to date on the latest notifications, including any cancellations, at NZTA’s site or at the Otago/Southland Facebook page.
The scheduled departure and return times for the convoys are as follows:
- Convoy 1 departs Makarora village heading south at 7.15am; then returns north at 8am from Isthmus Peak Track car park.
- Convoy 2 departs Isthmus Peak Track car park heading north at 12pm; then returns south from Makarora village at 12.45pm.
- Convoy 3 departs Isthmus Peak Track car park heading north at 5.30pm; then returns south from Makarora Village at 6.15pm.
Only vehicles weighing up to 21 tonnes can join the convoys because of a temporary bridge in use, and people who do join are asked to travel in a reasonably tight formation so that gaps between vehicles are at a safe distance, but not too large.
Facebook – Otago/Southland (external link)
31 August, 6:15pm – Up to three convoys daily on slip-affected SH6
Subject to weather conditions, escorted vehicle convoys are scheduled to travel back and forth three times daily from tomorrow on a section of State Highway 6 closed since Friday because of slips.
The convoys will depart from either the northern closure point at Makarora village, or from the southern closure point at Isthmus Peak Track car park (which can be accessed by travelling north about 18km from Lake Hāwea township – see map below). NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA)’s roading crews will provide lead and tail pilot vehicles for each convoy to ensure safe passage for road users while the section of highway is still being worked on.
The scheduled departure and return times for the convoys are as follows: * Convoy 1 departs Makarora village heading south at 7.15am; then returns north at 8am from Isthmus Peak Track car park.
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Convoy 2 departs Isthmus Peak Track car park heading north at 12pm; then returns south from Makarora village at 12.45pm.
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Convoy 3 departs Isthmus Peak Track car park heading north at 5.30pm; then returns south from Makarora Village at 6.15pm.
The timing of these convoys is to accommodate the movement of school children, those working locally – especially in Wānaka, courier services, and general road users; but also roading crews who are continuing to work on getting the highway to a state for full reopening.
With heavy rain predicted from Wednesday (2 September), people intending to join any of these convoys should be aware that they may be cancelled at short notice.
31 August, 1:15pm – Escorted convoys planned for slip-affected SH6
Good progress made by roading crews in clearing slips on State Highway 6 between Makarora and Lake Hāwea means that the route should reopen to controlled, limited traffic access from tomorrow.
With many of the 30 separate slips cleared and assessments done by geotechnical engineers about the risk of further rocks and debris coming down onto the road, the intention is to operate a limited number of daily escorted convoys through this section of SH6. Timing and details of these access opportunities will be confirmed and shared later today.
The weather conditions will dictate when these escorted convoys can happen. MetService road snowfall warnings remain in place in the region until this evening. Conditions are currently forecast to be suitable tomorrow, but heavy rain predicted from Wednesday may require reverting back to a complete closure until the weather passes. This is because the rain may increase the risk of further slips from already sodden hillsides.
A general reopening to traffic is not yet considered safe, but the teams will continue working towards that. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will also continue working with emergency services on access for emergencies.
NZTA thanks people for their patience and understanding as work continues around the clock to return full, safe access to SH6.
30 August 2026, 4:30pm – Work continues on SH6 closure ahead of further tricky weather
Good progress has been made today in clearing some of the multiple slips that have closed State Highway 6 between Makarora and Lake Hāwea, in Central Otago.
The section of highway has been closed since Friday, after heavy rain affected the area and loosened material on hillsides near the highway. Roading crews that have worked through the weekend clearing slips will now be keeping a close eye on more troublesome weather due to arrive in the area from this afternoon.
Rock and other debris was cleared from 10 of the approximately 30 slip sites in the closed SH6 area today (see images below), with the material shifted to temporary roadside stockpiles until it can be properly disposed of later. The crews continue to proceed cautiously given further debris came down from the hillsides today at two of these slip sites.
The closed section of SH6 will remain fully closed at least until tomorrow (Monday 31 August) when a further assessment will be made about the timing to reopen the road to at least one lane. Further slips still need to be cleared and geotechnical engineers will be looking closely tomorrow at the risk of further slips that may need to be managed with responses such as rock scaling.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is working with emergency services on access for emergencies while the highway remains closed.
MetService is forecasting snow and strong winds in the lower South Island from this afternoon through to tomorrow. Up to 8cm is predicted to fall on roads near this closed section of SH6.
On State Highway 94/Milford Sound Highway, MetService is predicting up to 12 cm of snow about the summit this afternoon and tomorrow. The road is now closed again from the Lower Hollyford Road intersection to Donne River, and is due to reopen tomorrow, likely around mid-morning but subject to the weather conditions.
29 August 2026, 5pm – Slip clearing progress in tough conditions on SH6
Roading crews have been working in trying conditions today to clear some of the numerous slips that have resulted in the closure of State Highway 6 between Makarora and Lake Hāwea, in Central Otago.
The crews have been working both north and south of an area known as The Neck, and the latest assessment is there is approximately 30 separate slips in the closed section of highway to deal with.
Sodden ground after the recent heavy rainfall and strong winds in the area have made progress more challenging, but work will continue through the weekend.
The closed section of SH6 will remain fully closed at least until Monday (31 August), when a further assessment will be made about when some level of traffic access can be safely restored and what work is still required.
28 August 2026, 5:20pm – Trapped vehicles and occupants out of SH6 closure
The two vehicles and their occupants (mentioned below) that were trapped in the closure of State Highway 6 between Makarora and Lake Hāwea, in Central Otago, are now out of the closed area.
Both vehicles and their occupants were escorted safely out of the closure area by roading crews this afternoon.
All those known to be inside the affected area after it closed about 7.30am this morning, because of multiple slips, are now out and accounted for.
28 August 2026, 4pm – Slip-hit SH6 to be closed at least until next week
Multiple slips – some substantial – mean that State Highway 6 between Makarora and Lake Hāwea in Otago will remain closed at least until Monday.
Heavy rain in the area from the winter storm that passed through has brought down water and debris from the hillsides onto this section of highway at more than 20 different locations, including on at least one bridge, at Wharf Creek (pictured below). Because there is still movement in the surrounding hillsides, roading crews are having to proceed cautiously with their efforts to clear the slips and inspect the roads underneath.
Two vehicles and their occupants have been trapped inside the closure area, but the people are reported to be safe and well. The roading crews for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) are working to get these people and vehicles out.
Crews will be looking to make their way into the affected areas when safe to begin clearing debris from the roads, while geotechnical engineering advice is being sought on the risk of instability on the hillsides and further slips.
On Monday, a further assessment will be made about when some level of traffic access can be safely restored. NZTA is advising road users to be wary of the potential to encounter slips on state highways across the central and lower South Island, and the risk of further slips, especially in the event of further rain.
Meanwhile, crews for NZTA are doing emergency response work in Queenstown this afternoon after damage on the state highways. NZTA does appreciate this work is likely to exacerbate some of the traffic issues already being experienced in the town as the Queenstown Lakes District Council also responds to storm damage on its local roads. However, it is necessary to keep people safe.
NZTA’s crews will be working on State Highway 6A at Frankton to provide emergency repairs to a manhole that is creating a hazard. The traffic management required for this emergency work will add to the traffic impacts from management already in place at the intersection of State Highways 6 and 6A (BP roundabout), however the team will be aiming to have the work completed and be off the road by 4.30pm today.
Emergency work will also be happening on SH6 at Boyd Road, near Kawarau Falls, this afternoon to address an exposed gas pipe after damage to the road. Crews will be working with the relevant gas company to address it, and work is likely to carry onto into this evening.
NZTA thanks people for their patience and understanding as work is carried out to keep people safe after the impacts of the storm.
28 August 2026, 11am – SH94 reopens for few hours; SH6 still closed
A section of State Highway 94 Te Anau to Milford Sound that is subject to avalanche risk has reopened but is due to close again at 4.30pm today because of more forecast snow.
The reopening will allow vehicles to move in and out of Milford Sound and the next closure is due to take effect at 4.30pm from the Lower Hollyford Road intersection to Donne River. A further reopening is expected by mid-morning tomorrow after snow ploughing, but the timing is still to be confirmed.
State Highway 6 between Makarora and Lake Hāwea in Otago remains closed because of substantial slips blocking the road.
The previous update, below, stated that the Crown Range Road (not a state highway) was still closed, but in fact it reopened about 7am this morning.
With various other warnings around the central and lower South Island due to flooding, slips or “winter driving conditions”, road users are asked to take extra care and to plan ahead of travelling, especially inland.
28 August 2026, 7:30am – Slip closes part of SH6, warnings in place
State Highway 6 between Makarora and Lake Hāwea in Otago has been closed this morning because of a slip.
Road users are being asked to avoid the area or delay their journeys if possible. The closure comes after heavy rain and snow from the winter storm that has affected the South Island, with slips, rockfalls and treefalls a continuing concern.
State Highway 94 Te Anau to Milford Sound remains closed from the Lower Hollyford Road intersection to Donne River because of avalanche risk, with reopening expected tomorrow based on current forecasts.
The Crown Range Road (not a state highway) is also closed this morning, between Eastburn Road and Cardrona, due to “adverse weather conditions”.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi also has Area Warnings in place because of surface flooding for SH6 from Haast to Hokitika on the West Coast, State Highway 8A from Tarras to Luggate in Otago, State Highway 8 from Omarama to Clearburn in Canterbury, and from Springfield to Otira on State Highway 73 where winter driving conditions remain after a closure because of snow yesterday.
27 August 2026, 4:45pm – Flooding watch overnight as snowfall eases
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and its roading crews will continue monitoring state highways overnight for any further flooding and slips as the risk of disruption from snow diminishes.
All of the South Island’s state highways are open after a winter storm hit the island today, with the exception of part of State Highway 94 between Milford Sound and Te Anau, where the avalanche risk means that the road will remain closed at least until Friday.
An NZTA Area Warning for surface flooding will remain in place tonight for the 278km stretch of State Highway 6 from Haast to Hokitika on the West Coast. MetService heavy rain warnings remain in effect on the West Coast until tomorrow, and further heavy rain has the potential to cause more flooding or to bring down rocks and debris onto the roads.
MetService’s road snowfall warnings for the South Island have largely been lifted after heavy snow fell in places today, causing the closure of part of State Highway 73 for several hours. NZTA Area Warnings for snow on State Highways 8 and 80 in the Mackenzie Basin have also been lifted.
People are encouraged to keep up with the latest weather forecasts and status of the state highways on this website. If they do travel, people are asked to take extra care on the roads, especially on inland highways and alpine passes.
27 August 2026, 1:15pm – SH73 fully reopened
State Highway 73 between Otira and Springfield is now fully open after being closed because of snow.
Road users are advised to take extra care as winter driving conditions remain.
27 August 2026, 12:30pm – Part of closed section of SH73 reopened
State Highway 73 between Otira and Arthur’s Pass village has reopened after a closure due to snow. However, the section of SH73 on the Canterbury side between Arthur’s Pass village and Springfield remains closed.
An update on this remaining section of closed highway is expected by early afternoon today. People travelling between Otira and Arthur’s Pass village are asked to travel with extra care.
Area warnings remain in place for snow on State Highways 8 and 80 in the Mackenzie Basin, and for surface flooding on State Highway 6 on the West Coast. Snowfalls across the South Island from the current winter storm are expected to ease later this afternoon.
27 August 2026, 10:30am – Warnings now in place for Mackenzie Basin highways
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) now has Area Warnings in place for state highways in the Mackenzie Basin as snow presents a risk to road users.
The official warnings are in place for State Highway 8 from Fairlie to Tekapo (including Burkes Pass), and State Highway 80 from Glentanner to Mount Cook Village, because of snow. Motorists are urged to travel with caution – including reducing their speeds, increasing their following distances, avoiding sudden braking or turning movements, and staying as visible as possible.
State Highway 73 between Springfield and Otira (including Arthur’s Pass) remains closed because of snow (see latest image below and attached).
NZTA Area Warnings also remain in place for surface flooding on State Highway 6, from Haast to Fox Glacier, and from Lake Wahapo (near Whataroa) to Harihari, on the West Coast.
27 August 2026, 9:15am – SH73 snow closure to continue
The closure of State Highway 73 between Springfield and Otira (including Arthur’s Pass) due to snow is expected to continue through this morning as roading crews assess and seek to clear the road.
With about 15-25cm of snow having fallen from Porters Pass through to Craigieburn Cutting on SH73, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and its contractors will be monitoring to see how much further snow falls as it plans for a reopening. A further update is expected around midday.
State Highway 94 Te Anau to Milford Sound remains closed from the Lower Hollyford Road intersection to Donne River because of the avalanche risk, with reopening expected from mid to late morning on Friday based on current forecasts.
NZTA Area Warnings are in place for surface flooding on State Highway 6, from Haast to Fox Glacier, and from Lake Wahapo (near Whataroa) to Harihari, on the West Coast.
27 August 2026, 6am – Snow closure as storm sets in
State Highway 73 is closed between Springfield and Otira this morning because of snow (see map below). Multiple rockfalls are also reported in the area, and people are asked to avoid the area or delay their journeys.
State Highway 94 Te Anau to Milford Sound remains closed from the Lower Hollyford Road intersection to Donne River because of the avalanche risk.
Area Warnings are in place for surface flooding on SH6, from Makarora (Otago) to Fox Glacier (West Coast); and from Lake Wahapo (near Whataroa) to Harihari on the West Coast.
The worst effects of the current winter storm are expected to unfold today, and people travelling around the South Island – especially inland and through alpine areas – are urged to keep an eye on weather forecasts and the status of the highways at NZTA’s Journey Planner (external link) site.
26 August 2026, 2:15pm – Winter storm arrives and highways in firing line
The effects of a significant winter storm are already being felt in the South Island as a reminder is sent to road users to carefully consider their travel over the next couple of days.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has an Area Warning in place today for State Highway 6 between Makarora (Otago) and Fox Glacier (West Coast) because of surface flooding as forecast heavy rain has arrived for western parts of the island. Surface flooding has also impacted State Highway 1 today in south Dunedin.
State Highway 94 Te Anau to Milford Sound is closed from the Lower Hollyford Road intersection to Donne River because of the avalanche risk. An escorted convoy out of Milford Sound is planned for 3pm today for anyone wishing to leave the popular tourist destination. Otherwise, the road is due to remain closed today and throughout Thursday on current forecasts, with a possible reopening Friday.
In addition to the heavy rain on the West Coast, significant snowfalls are still expected from tonight in inland areas. MetService has a Heavy Snow Watch in place for the Canterbury high country south of the Rangitata River, and Otago north of Arrowtown to Ranfurly. Up to 20cm is predicted for State Highway 73, and up to 15cm over the Lindis Pass summit on State Highway 8.
State Highways 8 and 80 in the Mackenzie Basin could be hit especially hard by snowfalls arriving overnight. Heavy snowfalls are likely to impact travel on the state highways, and while NZTA contractors will be out working around the clock to keep the roads open, sections of highway may be closed or restrictions imposed where necessary to keep people safe and avoid vehicles and their occupants becoming trapped.
NZTA urges road users to consider the risks of travelling, especially inland and via alpine passes, while the storm is in progress and state highways are affected. People should keep an eye on weather forecasts and the status of the highways at NZTA’s Journey Planner (external link) site.
In winter driving conditions where traction is affected by snow/ice or heavy rain, motorists are urged to reduce their speeds, increase their following distances, avoid sudden braking or turning movements and to stay as visible as possible. Carrying warm clothing, food and water is also recommended in case of travel delays or detours.
24 August 2026
A “significant winter storm” looming later this week could bring heavy snowfall and rain to parts of the South Island and motorists are being warned of the potential for travel disruption.
MetService says the storm will spread onto the South Island from the Tasman Sea on Wednesday (26 August) and is expected to bring prolonged heavy rain for the West Coast, and heavy snow for parts of inland Otago and South Canterbury. It has moderate confidence of warning amounts of snow late on Wednesday above about 700 metres, for Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes District, northwards to the Mackenzie Basin.
Private forecasting supplied to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) suggests more than 30cm of snow could affect State Highways 8 and 80 in the Mackenzie Basin/South Canterbury on Thursday (27 August), while further north up to 20cm could fall on State Highway 73 above 700m elevation between Christchurch and the West Coast. Accumulations at this level are likely to impede travel and NZTA may close sections of highway or introduce restrictions to keep people safe and avoid vehicles becoming trapped.
Roading crews will be out around the clock clearing snow or other obstructions and making the highways as safe as possible. People planning to travel on the state highways during this time, especially inland and via alpine passes, are urged to keep an eye on weather forecasts and the status of the highways at NZTA’s Journey Planner site.
In winter driving conditions where traction is affected by snow/ice or heavy rain, motorists are urged to reduce their speeds, increase their following distances, avoid sudden braking or turning movements and to stay as visible as possible. Carrying warm clothing, food and water is also recommended in case of travel delays or detours.