Major South Island routes cut off as flooding and slips close highways

Severe weather continues to cause widespread disruption across the South Island, with major routes now closed due to flooding and slips.

State Highway 80 in the Mackenzie Country has been closed between State Highway 8 and Aoraki Mount Cook because of flooding, including at Dead Horse Stream where water has covered the road.

Nzta

Meanwhile, State Highway 6 between Murchison and Kawatiri Junction remains closed due to an underslip, with crews working to stabilise the affected area.

These closures mean that all main routes connecting to the West Coast are now cut off, including State Highway 7, State Highway 73, and State Highway 6.

Nzta

Authorities are urging motorists to avoid travel and to delay journeys where possible until conditions improve.