Status: Revoked | North end: SH 1 south of Kaikoura | |
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Tourist
routes: Alpine Pacific Triangle South end: SH 7 north of Culverden Primary
destinations: Mt Lyford, Waiau, Rotherham | ||
Inland kaikoura road
The Inland Kaikoura Road, formerly designated State Highway 70, is a provincial highway in the South Island of New Zealand that runs from just south of Kaikoura to just north of Culverden via Waiau and Rotherham. White shields are used to signify this highway. It forms part of the Alpine Pacific Triangle tourist route. It also serves as an alternative inland route in cases where SH 1 is closed near the South Kaikoura coast. Following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, all roads into Kaikoura were closed including Route 70; it was the first road connection to Kaikoura to reopen in mid-December.
Contents
Map of Inland Kaikoura Rd, Canterbury 7373, New Zealand
History
The highway lost its state highway status because of the lack of traffic using it. In 1991 the section from Waiau to Kaikoura was revoked. Before revocation approximately 30 kilometres (19 mi) of highway was unsealed; however this was later sealed by the two district councils which maintained it. The remainder of SH 70 was revoked in 2004. Because of its scenic qualities it is now noted as one of the must drive roads in New Zealand. The road in parts is narrow, unsealed and winds through steep hill country. The road was closed following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake and was for a few days open to the military only; the first army convoy reached Kaikoura on Friday, 18 November 2016, and this was the only land route into Kaikoura since SH 1 was cut off by the earthquake. Some time later, registered convoys were allowed. Unrestricted access was restored on 19 December 2016, giving the public road access to Kaikoura again.
Route
The highway runs inland on the Inland Kaikoura Road from SH 1 just south of Kaikoura. It then turns south west running almost parallel to SH 1 in an adjacent valley. Passing over the Conway River the road becomes the Inland Road. It continues south, passing the intersection with Mt Lyford Forrest Drive and going through the small townships of Waiau and Rotherham, before ending at the junction of Rotherham Point Road and SH 7's Mouse Point Road just north of Culverden.