The Mackenzie Basin pull-over areas project provides more safe stopping areas along state highways to help maximise the visitor potential of the Mackenzie Basin. It is supported by $5m funding from the regional package of the NZ Upgrade Programme.
This project is designed to accommodate increasing numbers of self-driving visitors to the area, by creating safe spaces to pull over and appreciate the Mackenzie Basin’s world-renowned expansive alpine and lake vistas.
The improvements will provide safer access points for visitor drivers and facilities for sharing the road with local drivers, freight and cyclists.
Waka Kotahi is working with iwi, Mackenzie District Council and Te Manahuna Ki Uta/Destination Mackenzie Group on prioritising key areas for improvements.
Around 9 locations along State Highways 8, 79 and 80 will benefit from safety and access improvements. These include increasing capacity at existing rest areas, new rest areas at scenic locations, upgrading existing rest areas, better signage, directional arrows, safety information for tourists – such as 'Traffic behind you? Let it pass' signs – intersection improvements, road widening and passing opportunities.
We have also been working closely with three Papatipu Rūnanga from Ngāi Tahu and have identified two sites of significance – Dog Kennel Corner and Burkes Pass where cultural artwork will be installed.
The artwork has been created with cultural concepts and advice provided by Moeraki, Waihao and Arowhenua rūnanga. Senior Ngāi Tahu artist and designer Ross Hemera, the creative force behind the artwork, was asked to participate in the project because of his whakapapa links and previous work in the area.
The artwork at Burke’s pass will represent a gateway to Te Manahuna, Mackenzie Country, which is a place of tipuna meaning it is significant because of its history of ancestral figures, trails and (food gathering areas). An information panel on the artwork, in te reo and English, explains mana whenua’s connection to the area further.
The sculpture will feature one large pou as well as several smaller pou and will stand as a welcome to Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (the Southern Alps) Aoraki (Mt Cook) and Te Manahuna as well as the traditions of Rākaihautū and Āriteuru.
A right turn bay will be installed on SH8 at the entrance to the salmon farm on Twizel-Omarama Road and Haymans Road carpark off SH8 will be extended.
A right turn bay will be installed on SH8 at Godley Peaks Road.
On SH8, the road will be widened to provide for pull-off areas which allow vehicles to pull over and let traffic pass.
A number of potential improvements are being investigated which will be prioritised according to budget and priority.
| Type | Location | Estimate | Status |
| Pull-over area and rest area improvements | Multiple sites along SH8, 79, 80 | $1m | Underway |
| Intersection and access improvements | Six sites on SH8 | $2.5m | Complete |
| Shoulder widening | Two sites on SH8 | $0.3m | Complete |
| Signage improvements | Multiple sites along SH8, 79, 80 | $0.2m | Complete |
| Pre-implementation (design, land purchase, service works etc.) | All | $1m | Complete |
The regional package of the NZ Upgrade Programme is an $88m package of projects to address key challenges our regional state highway networks face including safety risks, resilience and congestion problems, accessibility and travel time reliability. The projects will also support regional economic development.
