Plan your journey (P2C)

Plan your journey between Picton and Christchurch

You should have two options for travel between Picton and Christchurch:

• The alternate route (via state highways 63, 6, 65 and 7 through Lewis Pass) – open 24/7.
• State Highway 1 (SH1) – daytime travel only until 30 April and then open 24/7.

Note: Access Kaikōura via the Inland Road (Route 70) – if SH1 closed.

To plan your journey and for updates on delays, roadworks and road closures go to www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz (external link)   or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49))

WARNING: Google Maps sometimes displays State Highway 1 status incorrectly. Do not always rely on your GPS for accurate journey information.

Stay up-to-date with travel information

• Real-time travel information via our Journeys page (external link) . You can also call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
• Check at least two hours before travel and when you’re on the road.
• Follow us on social media. South Island Facebook page (external link) , Canterbury/West Coast Twitter (external link) or Top of the South Island Twitter (external link)

Access the Plan your journey guide in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Arabic and Indonesian.

More information

• What to expect when travelling on SH1 between Picton and Christchurch [PDF, 148 KB].

• Read our FAQs (external link) (updated regularly). Any questions? Please email: info@nctir.com.
• Read more about the earthquake and recovery work.
• To receive recovery project updates, email info@nctir.com with 'State Highway 1' in the subject line.