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UPDATE: Work continues to reopen state highways in the top of the South Island

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi | 30 Jun 2025 4:02pm | Tasman, Nelson and Marlborough

UPDATE 4pm

State Highway 6 Rocks Road – Open from 6pm

NZTA is continuing to monitor the issues at the top of the cliff face along State Highway 6 Rocks Road. Both lanes of the road will be open from 6pm this evening, however the cycle lanes will be closed due to the placement of water filled barriers as a necessary safety zone. 

Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians can use Rocks Road from 6pm onwards. Please be mindful of other road users as cyclists will need to share the road with cars and trucks. A temporary speed limit will be place.

The road may require a closure on Thursday 3 July, depending on the severity of the forecast wet weather.

Contractors need to do further work on top of the cliff face, and NZTA will continue to provide further updates as events progress and works are confirmed. 

State Highway 6 – Kohatu Junction to State Highway 63 Kawatiri intersection – Open from 7pm

Contractors have made good progress on State Highway 6 at Kohatu Junction. The road will open under single lane traffic light and temporary speed limits from 7pm this evening.

From tomorrow, Tuesday 1 July , from 6am – 6pm,  SH6 North Road intersection to SH6 Hope Saddle summit will have multiple work sites under Stop/Go traffic management. Drivers should be careful of uneven surfaces and follow the 30km/h temporary speed limit restrictions.  Drivers should expect delays up to 20 minutes.

State Highway 63 is open for residents and essential travel only. The road is open under extreme caution and people should avoid travel unless necessary.

Maintenance and other works

Due to the emergency weather event, the following works will be postponed and further updates on timings will be confirmed in the coming week:

  • SH63 Howard Narrows
  • SH6 Dellows Bluff – tree felling
  • SH6 Whakatu Drive

UPDATE 1:30 pm

Contractors have provided an update on the progress of slip repairs on State Highway 6 Rocks Road in Nelson.

SH6 Rocks Road (between Bisley Ave and Richardson Road) - The road is still CLOSED

Investigations are ongoing with work to address the issues at the top of the cliff face, to ensure it is safe before re-opening the road. At this stage, we are not able to provide any further timing of when Rocks Road will re-open.

We understand the road closure is significant and impacts commuter traffic into and out of Nelson, with congestion expected. Drivers are encouraged to check road conditions in Nelson before they travel and delay their travel to avoid expected peak times.

The closure applies to all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. The recommended detour for all traffic (including heavy vehicles) is via Waimea Road and Whakatu Drive.

State Highway 6 – Kohatu Junction to State Highway 63 intersection is still CLOSED

Contractors are onsite working hard to clear the debris and get this road reopen as soon as possible. We are unable to provide a time at this stage that the road will reopen. 

State Highway 63 is open for residents and essential travel only. The road is open under extreme caution and people should avoid travel unless necessary. 

General Advice

Drivers can expect ongoing roadworks across state highways in the top of the South Island as repairs to flood-damaged areas continue.

This will create travel delays, and drivers should allow extra time for their journeys. 

People are encouraged to check for updates from local authorities for the latest information, and to report any state highway faults or damage to 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).