Nelson/Tasman state highway planned roadworks

Saturday 17 January to Friday 23 January 2026

16 January 2026

Kia ora and welcome

Kia ora,

Welcome to the latest Nelson/Tasman state highway planned roadworks update.

This weekly newsletter will keep you informed about what’s happening across the region’s state highways so you can plan ahead.

If you're travelling, remember to check our Journey Planner for the latest updates on road conditions. 

Please feel free to share this newsletter with whānau and friends, anyone can sign up to stay informed.

The information outlined below is current as at midday on 16/1/2026.

SH6 Nelson to Greymouth

SH6 Rocks Road

Installation of mesh to help prevent rockfalls will start on Thursday 22 January and take about a week. On Thursday 22 and Friday 23 January between 9am and 4pm, crews will place mesh along the crest of the cliff, with no impact to traffic on Rocks Road. Then night works will run from the evening of Sunday 25 January to the morning of Thursday 29 January to unroll the mesh and secure it to the cliff face. Stop/go traffic management and temporary speed restrictions will be in place during the night work hours. Drivers should expect delays up to 10 minutes. During the day, both lanes of the road will be open.

SH6 North Road (2.5km east of Kohatu)

Drainage work to help prevent flooding will take place from Monday 19 January to Friday 30 January. Stop/go traffic management will be in place, and a 30 km/h speed limit will apply 24/7. The work includes installing a culvert across SH6, followed by resurfacing the affected area.

SH6 Korere

Road rebuild work will take place from Monday 19 January to Friday 20 February. Crews will operate Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm. Stop/go traffic management will be in place, and a 30km/h temporary speed limit will apply during work hours. After hours, a temporary speed restriction will be in place due to the uneven road surface. Drivers should expect delays of up to 15 minutes. No work will take place during the first week of February (that is, between the Nelson Anniversary and Waitangi Day weekends) to avoid disrupting holiday traffic.

Read our traffic bulletin for more information

SH6 Granity Narrows and O'Sullivan's Junction

Rockfall resilience work has resumed at two sites near Murchison: one at the Granity Narrows between Kawatiri and Owen Junction, and the other near O’Sullivan’s Junction close to the intersection of State Highways 6 and 65.

Stop/Go traffic management may be operating and reduced temporary speed limits are likely to be in place at both sites 24/7 until the end of May 2026. Plan ahead for delays of up to 10 minutes at each site.

Read our media release for more information.

SH6 Nelson to Blenheim

SH6 Mahers Road

A 500-metre section of highway about 5km north of Renwick will be rebuilt from Monday 9 February to Friday 20 March. Work will take place Mondays to Fridays, from 7am to 6pm. Stop/go traffic management will be in place during work hours, and a 30 km/h speed limit will apply at all times. Drivers should expect delays of up to 10 minutes.

Holiday driving tips

With the holiday season upon us, we encourage you to stay safe on the roads. Here are simple steps everyone can take to ensure they reach their destinations safely.

• Watch your speed and following distances and always overtake safely.
• Always wear a seatbelt and ensure all your passengers are buckled up too.
• Always drive to the conditions. If the weather is bad, slow down, avoid sudden braking, and turn your headlights on if visibility is poor. Be safe, be seen.
• Never drive when tired. If you're on a long trip, take breaks to stay alert.
• Avoid distractions. Never use a cellphone while driving.
• Before you head away, check your vehicle and perform basic maintenance. Inspect tyres, lights, indicators, windscreen wipers, etc.
• Check the road conditions before you travel. Our holiday journey planner provides details on when traffic congestion will be at its worst. We urge you to use it to plan your trips and avoid busier travel periods.

Driving in the holidays

Vehicle safety

Holiday Journeys

More information

Please be aware that there may be other less disruptive state highway works not listed in this newsletter. 

All work is subject to weather and other unforeseen circumstances. In the event of unsuitable conditions, work will be rescheduled to the next suitable workday.

For more information on the Nelson/Tasman state highway maintenance programme, contact us at Nelson-Tasmanmaintenance@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/sh-maintenance-programme/nelson-tasman

For information on Marlborough, West Coast or Canterbury state highway maintenance,  where you can sign up for newsletters that cover other regions.