Published: 4 December 2018
Following a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Kaikōura in November 2016, SH1 was damaged and closed. The road re-opened on 15 December 2017, but work is still ongoing to make it safer and more resilient for the future. Before travelling, check which route is available and the best option for you.
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A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Kaikōura in November 2016. After 18 months of recovery work, State Highway 1 (SH1) re-opened 24/7 in April 2018. Construction is ongoing throughout 2018 and 2019 so expect unsealed surfaces, lane closures, reduced speeds and stop/go controls in some areas. Expect roadworks along the entire route but they are more likely to be concentrated just north and south of Kaikōura – the most earthquake damaged areas.
If SH1 is unexpectedly closed from either the north or the south, you can still access Kaikōura
from the ‘alternate route’ (see below) by joining the Inland Road (Route 70) just north of Culverden (see map). This route takes a little longer than the coastal route.
Estimated journey time on SH1 between Picton and Christchurch: Minimum 5½ hours
Travel information, journey times and road conditions can change at short notice.Check at least two hours before you travel in case you have to change your route,and when you reach key route decision points.
Check out Driving in New Zealand at nzta.govt.nz/driving-in-nz
| Website | nzta.govt.nz/p2c |
| Phone | 0800 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) |
| facebook.com/nztasouthisland(external link) | |
| twitter.com/nztacwc(external link) or twitter.com/nztatots(external link) |
