UPDATE: 4.30pm, 8 May, 2026 – Slips, fallen trees adding to weather impacts

Reports of slips and fallen trees on state highways are adding to weather-related impacts such as flooding on the West Coast today.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has received a report this afternoon of a slip blocking a lane on State Highway 73 near Otira. Reports have also come in of trees blocking lanes on SH73 near Jacksons, State Highway 6 in the Lower Buller Gorge, SH6 between Murchison and Inangahua Junction, as well as SH6 in South Westland between Harihari and Whataroa. Contractors are being dispatched to assess and clear the roads where required.

Area warnings over surface flooding remain in place at the following locations:

• State Highway 7 between Reefton and Springs Junction (Rahu Saddle)
• State Highway 6/Lower Buller Gorge between Inangahua and the intersection with State Highway 67/Buller Road
• State Highway 6 between Makarora and Haast (including Haast Pass)
• State Highway 6 between Haast and Fox Glacier

As darkness falls soon, road users are urged to travel with extra care in areas where flooding, slips or fallen trees may be present. People are also asked to avoid driving through floodwaters where the depth is uncertain or risks may be hidden.

12.50pm, 8 May, 2026 – Surface flooding issues spread

Surface flooding continues to be an issue for West Coast roads following heavy rain, as another area warning for road users is added by New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

The latest area warning put in place is for State Highway 6/Lower Buller Gorge between Inangahua and the intersection with State Highway 67/Buller Road.

The other NZTA area warnings in place are for surface flooding on:

• State Highway 7 between Reefton and Springs Junction (Rahu Saddle)
• State Highway 6 between Makarora and Haast (including Haast Pass)

People are asked to travel with extra care on these routes and to avoid travelling through floodwaters where risks may be hidden.

NZTA also reminds people that heavy rain means slippery roads and drivers should think about adjusting their speed and travelling distances, avoiding sudden braking, and staying visible.

11.50am, 8 May, 2026 – More surface flooding warnings

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has added another area warning for road users about surface flooding, this time for State Highway 7 between Reefton and Springs Junction (Rahu Saddle).

An area warning remains in place for State Highway 6 between Makarora in Otago and Haast on the West Coast (including Haast Pass), also because of surface flooding. The West Coast has been hit by heavy rain and multiple MetService rain and wind warnings are still in place for the wider South Island.

NZTA reminds people that heavy rain means slippery roads and drivers should think about adjusting their speed and travelling distances, avoiding sudden braking, and staying visible. People should also avoid travelling through floodwaters where risks may be hidden.

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