Update 6 pm: State Highway 1 is now open between Kaikoura and Blenheim following a fatal crash near Kekerengu earlier today.
Police have confirmed two people have died as result of this incident and two other people were taken to hospital with moderate injuries.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi extends its sympathies to the families and friends of the victims and urges all road users to drive with care over the Easter Holiday weekend.
We want to see everyone reach their destinations safely.
Update 1 pm:
State Highway 1 remains closed between Kaikoura and Riverlands following a serious crash south of Ward earlier this morning.
The Police Serious Crash Unit is investigating, and the highway is expected to remain closed until their work is complete and the crash site is cleared. This will likely take several hours, meaning the closure could continue until late this afternoon/early this evening.
With traffic expected to be heavier before the Easter Holiday weekend, drivers travelling between Blenheim and Christchurch must factor the closure into their travel plans.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi recommends drivers avoid the area, delay their travel, or use the much longer inland route via State Highway 7 Lewis Pass and State Highway 63 Wairau Valley/St Arnaud.
This route adds around two hours to travel times and it is essential drivers, particularly those with EVs or ferry connections in Picton, plan for this.
The highway’s status can also be checked on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website.
Highway conditions – Nelson/Marlborough(external link)
EV charger locations(external link)
11:45 am:
Drivers travelling between Blenheim and Christchurch must be ready for lengthy delays following a serious crash on State Highway 1 south of Ward this morning.
The two-vehicle crash, which occurred near between Ward and Kekerengu, was reported just after 11 am.
State Highway 1 is currently closed at the crash site, and no local road detours are available.
Drivers travelling on State Highway 1 – Kaikoura to Blenheim – are urged to delay their travel and avoid the area.
The only alternative route is inland via State Highway 7 Lewis Pass and State Highway 63 Wairau Valley. This has significantly longer travel times.
Road users with ferry connections in Picton must factor this closure into their travel plans.
Further updates will be provided when information is available. The highway’s status can also be checked on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website.
