Community Update - Flooding Event - 8pm Wednesday 8th July 2026
Weather conditions have eased across much of the district and floodwaters are continuing to recede. However, further rainfall is forecast and the community is encouraged to remain vigilant and continue monitoring official updates.
The key priority for our response remains the safety and wellbeing of our community.
We have had our building assessors on the ground today making rapid assessments to get a better picture of damage. This will continue in the coming days.
Road closures
A number of key roads remain closed across the district. People are asked to respect all road closures and traffic management measures and avoid unnecessary travel.
State Highway 1 north at the Hāpuku Bridge reopened at 5 pm on 8 July following structural assessments by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. If Kaikōura is your final destination, you can now enter the township via Hāpuka Bridge, however please note you still cannot leave the district south via State Highway 1. Please consider that in your travel plans.
Current closures include:
- State Highway 1 south at Conway due to erosion and at Hundalee due to slips.
- Old Beach Road due to bridge damage.
- Swanns Creek Road.
- Harnetts Road Bridge.
- Postmans Road ford.
- Parsons Road, which remains flooded.
- Inland Road from Cribb Creek.
- West End, which remains closed while further assessments are completed.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi continues to undertake structural assessments of key transport routes and infrastructure. Roads will remain closed until they can be confirmed safe.
Please also be aware that some online maps and information sources may not yet reflect current road conditions. We are working closely with partner agencies to ensure information is updated as quickly as possible.
Traffic management remains in place at a number of locations. Please do not drive around barriers or traffic management controls. Roads should be treated as closed until traffic management has been formally removed.
Inland Road remains impassable due to significant damage, including impacts to bridges.
Welfare and public safety
Welfare Centres remain open at Takahanga Marae and New Life Church, with sufficient capacity available for anyone who has been evacuated.
If you have left your home, please stay with friends or family where possible, or use one of the Welfare Centres. No one should be sleeping in vehicles – safe accommodation is available.
For residents concerned about property damage or flooding impacts, further information on building assessments will be provided once assessment teams have completed initial inspections and a coordinated process is in place.
If you believe your property may have been affected, please contact Kaikōura District Council on 03 319 5026.
Weather forecast
MetService's Heavy Rain Watch remains in effect until 6 pm on Thursday 9 July for Marlborough and Canterbury between Ward and Hanmer and southeast of the Awatere Valley, including the Kaikōura Ranges.
River and flood assessments
River and flood assessments are continuing, with rainfall in the ranges still contributing to ongoing risks.
Safety remains the priority when determining access arrangements and recovery activities.
Boil Water Notice
A Boil Water Notice remains in place for Peketa. Residents in the affected area should continue to boil water until advised otherwise.
Offering assistance
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to offer help. The support shown across the community has been greatly appreciated.
Contractors wishing to assist with response and recovery activities are asked to contact the Council directly so appropriate health and safety requirements can be coordinated.
We acknowledge this has been a challenging time for our community and those visiting. Thank you for your patience, cooperation and support for one another while response and recovery efforts continue.
The safety of residents, visitors and response personnel remains our highest priority.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
