Plan your journey (P2C)

Plan your journey between Picton and Christchurch

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

• State Highway 1 (SH1).
• The alternate route (via state highways 63, 6, 65 and 7 through Lewis Pass).

Note: You can usually access Kaikōura via the Inland Road (Route 70) if SH1 is closed. Check real-time information. (external link)

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

• 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).
• 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)
• Checked for any planned closures.

For advice on how to plan ahead and stay safe during winter, go to www.nzta.govt.nz/winterjourneys

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

More information

• 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.