Tekapo, SH8, speed limits will change in a month’s time, safety improvements underway

People travelling through Tekapo in South Canterbury this Christmas will have a safer, slightly slower speed environment.

New speed limits will apply on SH8 through the lakeside village from 10 December, 2021, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

The new limits follow a public engagement process where Waka Kotahi talked to iwi, the community, the council, local police, AA and local businesses about speed limits and ways to make the main road through the town safer.

“Overall, 39 submissions were received, all supportive of the proposed speed limit reductions and some wanting the speed to be reduced even more,” says James Caygill, Director Regional Relationships, Waka Kotahi. “Thanks to everyone who provided us with feedback and ideas.”

The aim of the new speed limits and other safety improvements is to help prevent people being killed or injured in crashes, as part of Road to Zero.

Speed management

“No matter what causes a crash, speed is always a factor in the severity of crash outcomes,”  says Mr Caygill.

In the ten-year period between 2011 and 2020, there were 41 crashes on SH8 in Tekapo. Five people were seriously injured as a result, and four people incurred minor injuries.

View downloadable image [PDF, 401 KB]

Other safety improvements being carried out in coming weeks in Tekapo to support the safer highway environment:

• A new right turn bay into Lakeside Drive.
• Extending the existing right turn bay into Rapuwai Lane.
• A new pedestrian refuge (central crossing island) opposite Tekapo Adventures.
• A new right turn bay into the Challenge Service Station.
• Extending the existing right turn bay into Domain Road.
• A new pedestrian refuge (central crossing island) and kerb buildout on the south side of the road opposite the school bus stop near Greig Street.
• A new pedestrian refuge (central crossing island) and kerb buildouts on both sides of the road opposite the look out and parking area (midway between Pioneer Drive and Hamilton Drive).
• A new right turn bay into Hamilton Drive.

The following new speed limits will come into effect Friday, 10 December 2021: 

For further information, including a map of the speed limit changes and the consultation summary, visit:
SH8 Tekapo new permanent speed limits