A landslide which has closed SH 1 just south of Kaikoura is likely to take days to clear.

Motorists travelling between Christchurch and Picton can expect days of delays with the closure of SH1 south of Kaikoura requiring significant diversions.

The highway is closed by a large landslide in which around 20,000 cubic metres of soil fell on to the road and railway lines. The cause of the slip has been attributed to heavy rainfall and not earthquake activity. Conditions overnight made it too dangerous to begin work to clear the slip, but contractors are now at the site.

It is estimated that it will take several days to clear, and there are diversions for light traffic on Route 70. Heavy Vehicles are being advised to use SH63 Wairau Valley and SH7 Lewis Pass to get to Christchurch.

KiwiRail is moving passengers and freight by road between Blenheim and Christchurch

– NEWSTALKZB