SH6 reopens between Belgrove and Kohatu, travel delays expected

Sunday, 13 July 2025

State Highway 6 in Tasman between Belgrove and Kohatu has reopened following damage caused by Friday’s rain event in Tasman.

Felix Marwick, a media manager at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, said this meant direct access between Nelson and Murchison and the West Coast had been restored.

SH6 from Murchison to Kohatu had reopened earlier on Sunday, just before midday.

Marwick said motorists could expect road work sites, areas reduced to a single lane, and stop-go traffic management along the route, and they should allow extra travel time.

Motorists could also expect weather damage on all state highways across the top of the south and must drive to the conditions.

The potential for slips, rock and tree falls remained, and drivers were urged to check road conditions before travelling as routes could close at short notice.

SH6 Rocks Rd

Assessments were continuing on the slip and rockfall risk on SH6 Rocks Rd.

Marwick said stormwater had destabilised areas at the top of the cliff, and loose material and vegetation at risk of falling onto the road were in the process of being assessed and carefully removed.

This route was closed to traffic, cyclists and pedestrians until further notice, and it was likely to remain closed into the working week, he said.

Delays and congestion could be expected, particularly during peak-hour traffic, until the route was restored.

People must not go beyond the closure points on Rocks Rd as there was serious danger from potential falling debris, particularly as contractors worked to remove material from the cliff face.

Marwick said a further update on its status would be provided later on Sunday.

General advice

All other state highways were open, but it was not business as usual on the roads or for driving.

In Marlborough, SH63 Kawatiri Junction to Waihopai Valley Rd remained restricted to residents and essential travel only.

SH60 Tākaka Hill, while open to light and heavy vehicles, has suffered slip and washout damage and extra care and time was needed when travelling the route. It was vulnerable to further disruptions and possible closure.

Across the network, because of weather damage, Marwick said drivers must drive to the conditions and take extreme care when travelling.

There remained an ongoing risk of slips, rock and tree falls, and the potential for further road closures. These may happen at short notice, Marwick said.

Road users could expect to encounter multiple roadwork and repair sites across the region and must allow extra time for their journeys.

Marwick asked motorists to follow all traffic management and temporary speed limits in place. They were there to keep the public and work crews safe, he said.

On Saturday, NZTA’s regional manager for the lower North Island and top of the south, Mark Owen, said that with the school holidays ending this weekend, people could not expect travel to be simple or easy.

“The fact is some routes have suffered significant damage from flooding, slips and tree falls and won’t reopen to the public today.

“Our advice is, don’t queue at state highway closure points and avoid the inland route between Nelson and Murchison.”

People travelling between the top of the south and Canterbury should use State Highway 1 and the east coast instead, he said.

Next steps

While the worst of the weather has passed, its effect on state highways would be ongoing, with the agency in “response mode” and its focus on reconnecting the network and restoring connections to cut-off communities.

“However, once this passes, we will shift into recovery mode,” Owen said.

“This is where we plan and design what needs to be done to fix highways and infrastructure that have been badly damaged.

“This will take some time to finalise, and we don’t have the details yet. When we do, we will ensure affected communities are updated.”