Roading impacts in Queenstown Lakes

Many roads across the network have been affected by the significant winter storm we experienced Thursday 27 August and Friday 28 August 2026. While roading crews are spread across multiple sites throughout the district, here's a list of impacted roads:

Skippers Road / Branches Road

Closed at the Saddle due to multiple slips. Work is progressing well on Skippers Road, however there are multiple slips and rock falls between Deep Creek and Blue Slip. Blue Slip will require full reconstruction once we are able to do so.

Further geotechnical assessment is required on Branches Road for the most appropriate repair methodology.

The next update for both Skippers Road and Branches Road will be 21 September or beforehand should anything change.

Macetown Road, Arrowtown

Closed due to multiple slips and washouts along the road. 

Meads Road / Hunter Valley Road

The section of Meads Road from SH6 (RP0) to the area known a Kidd’s Bush (RP6177) will be reopened as at 5:00pm 11 September. The section from Kids Bush RP to Hunter Valley Station Road remains closed to public access as contractors face more difficult and extensive repairs to be completed.

SH6 Makorora-Hāwea

SH6 Lake Hāwea to Makarora will reopen daily for three convoys dependent on weather. Here's the information you need:

• Southbound convoys leave Makarora Village at 7.15am, 12.45pm, and 6.15pm

• Northbound conboys leave Isthmus Peak car park at 8.00am, 12.00pm, and 5.30pm

Stay connected with State Highway updates on NZTA's Journey Planner app.

Previously impacted roads now reopened:

• Gorge Road, Queenstown

• Bowen Street, Queenstown

• Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, Queenstown

• Paradise Road, Glenorchy

• Greenstone Road, Glenorchy (drive with care)

• Rees Valley Road, Glenorchy (drive with care)

• Timaru Creek Road, Lake Hāwea

• SH6 Makarora-Hāwea (controlled convoys)

• Mount Aspiring Road, Wānaka (drive with care)

Please drive with extreme care and avoid driving through any flood waters. We'll continue to update this article as we receive more information. If you spot any urgent issues on the roads, please call 03 441 0499.